Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich, indulgent dish that combines succulent shrimp with a luscious garlic cream sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This restaurant-quality meal can be made in the comfort of your kitchen in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Combines rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and cream in a comforting pasta dish.
- Perfect for a romantic dinner or a family meal.
- The sauce is customizable to your taste โ adjust the garlic and cream to suit your preference.
- A great way to enjoy shrimp in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Fettuccine or spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sautรฉ the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and bring it to a simmer. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet along with the pasta. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Stir in lemon juice for brightness, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Change the Protein: Swap out shrimp for grilled chicken or scallops.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
- Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or opt for a dairy-free cream substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to thin the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the shrimp and cause them to become rubbery.
FAQs
How can I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
To avoid rubbery shrimp, be sure not to overcook them. They only need about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine or spaghetti are great options, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as linguine or penne.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta. Reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, coconut milk, or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter option.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken. You can also stir in more Parmesan cheese or a bit of cornstarch slurry.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after sautรฉing the garlic for extra flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque, and the tails curl slightly. They should no longer be translucent.
Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?
Parmesan is traditional, but you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the richness of garlic, cream, and shrimp into one delightful dish. With its quick prep time, versatility, and savory flavors, this recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Serve it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for an unforgettable meal!
PrintCreamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautรฉing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is the perfect combination of rich flavors and comfort. Tender shrimp are cooked in a luscious garlic and cream sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is quick to make, yet elegant enough for a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sautรฉ the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make the garlic sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir in the Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir everything together.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the dish.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce.
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, thaw them before cooking.
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