Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with juicy shrimp, garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let reduce for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Just before serving, squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach for extra flavor.
Swap shrimp with scallops or grilled chicken for variety.
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg