Hey y’all! If you’re searching for an irresistibly easy and restaurant-level meal, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a real crowd-pleaser. Think juicy shrimp, perfectly al dente pasta, and a silky parmesan garlic cream sauce that hugs every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a cozy date night, or just need an effortless weeknight winner, this dish delivers every time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with creamy, garlicky goodness—and plenty of plump shrimp.
- Impresses guests but uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Versatile and easy to customize for any taste.
- A complete comfort food for both casual dinners and fancy occasions.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Zest from 1/2 lemon
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking often, until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Lower the heat and add the parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta, reserved shrimp (along with any juices), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss gently, loosening the sauce with reserved pasta water as needed. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Notes & Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- For extra flavor, sauté a pinch of Italian seasoning with the garlic.
- Use fresh, wild-caught shrimp if available—see why fresh shrimp makes a difference!
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—1-2 minutes per side is plenty for that perfect tender bite.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Variations
- Spicy Cajun: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking for a spicy kick.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers with the pasta.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half & half for heavy cream and swap whole-wheat pasta for added fiber.
Required Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Tongs, whisk, and wooden spoon
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth. Freezing not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad for balance.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper for a little extra indulgence.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Toss hot pasta directly into the skillet so it soaks up every drop of sauce (learn why this technique works).
- Keep your shrimp as dry as possible before cooking—this ensures a golden sear instead of steaming.
- Finely grate cheese yourself for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as well—check more pasta tips here.
FAQ: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes! Just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking for the best texture.
- Can I make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated. Add a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- What pasta shapes work best?
- Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are great choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Cook the fettuccine pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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3Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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4Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
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5Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
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6Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
580cal
Protein:
32 gg
Fat:
26 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
56 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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