Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

This 30-minute pasta dish combines perfectly cooked shrimp with a rich garlic cream sauce and pasta. It's simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for date night.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Mon, 03 Mar 2025 03:04:04 GMT
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Succulent shrimp bathed in a velvety garlic cream sauce clings beautifully to perfectly cooked pasta in this indulgent yet surprisingly simple dish. The contrast between the tender seafood, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta creates a textural symphony that satisfies with every bite. This restaurant-worthy meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.

I first made this pasta for a neighborhood potluck when I needed something impressive but had limited time to prepare. The way the shrimp and garlic cream sauce clung to the pasta created a dish that disappeared faster than any other offering on the table. Now, it's become our family's favorite seafood pasta recipe, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Kitchen Fundamentals

  • Pasta (8 ounces, spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine): Choose a long, slender pasta with ridges that capture and hold the creamy sauce; fresh pasta provides the best texture and flavor
  • Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Select medium to large (16/20 count) for the perfect balance of tenderness and bite; wild-caught varieties offer superior flavor and texture
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the natural flavors and help achieve perfect browning
  • Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates the foundation of the sauce while allowing you to control saltiness; European-style with higher butterfat produces exceptional richness
  • Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh minced garlic delivers incomparable depth; look for firm bulbs without sprouting for the cleanest flavor
  • Heavy cream (1 cup): The backbone of the luxurious sauce; full-fat versions create the most stable emulsion and silkiest texture
  • Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano melts beautifully and provides complex, nutty flavor; always grate your own from a block for best flavor
  • Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): This herb blend adds aromatic complexity; look for versions containing basil, oregano, and thyme
  • Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Provides gentle warmth that balances the richness of the cream; adjust according to your heat preference
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all other flavors; flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper make a noticeable difference
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the finished dish with color and fresh herbaceous notes

Cooking Method

Pasta Boiling:
Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous, rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt—the water should taste like the sea. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than indicated cooking time. Reserve ½ cup of starchy cooking water before draining, as this liquid gold helps bind the sauce when needed.
Shrimp Seasoning:
While pasta cooks, pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing rather than steaming. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing seasoning evenly for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
Garlic Infusion:
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This critical step infuses the oil with garlic flavor that will permeate the entire dish.
Sauce Creation:
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt while scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and whisk continuously until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese in small handfuls, whisking constantly until each addition melts completely before adding more for the smoothest sauce possible.
Final Assembly:
Return cooked shrimp to the skillet with vegetables, immediately adding the prepared sauce. Toss continuously as sauce bubbles and thickens, coating each piece evenly. Add cooked noodles, using tongs to incorporate thoroughly while maintaining noodle integrity. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley across the top for both presentation and flavor enhancement.
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My grandmother always insisted that the secret to spectacular pasta is in the pasta water—'salty like the sea,' she would say. She was right. That properly seasoned water not only flavors the pasta from within but also transforms into magical liquid that helps bind the sauce when added back in small amounts. Her other non-negotiable rule was using the freshest seafood possible, as no amount of cream or garlic can mask poor quality shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate this already impressive dish with thoughtfully chosen accompaniments. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. Oven-roasted cherry tomatoes offer sweet acidity that balances the savory elements perfectly. For bread lovers, crusty Italian bread or garlic knots offer the perfect vehicle for capturing any remaining sauce. During summer months, I often add a platter of grilled vegetables brushed with olive oil and herbs for a colorful addition that complements the lemony shrimp perfectly.

Flavor Variations

Transform this flexible recipe to suit different tastes and what you have available. Mediterranean inspired version features sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, and a sprinkle of feta cheese during the final minute of cooking. Create an Italian version with basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. For Mexican flair, incorporate cumin, chili powder, and pepper jack cheese, finishing with fresh cilantro and lime. Vegetarians can substitute firm tofu or tempeh for the shrimp without changing cooking time accordingly.

Storage Solutions

Maximize the enjoyment of any remaining pasta with proper storage techniques. If you anticipate leftovers, consider initially undercooking the pasta slightly as it will absorb the garlic cream sauce better when reheated. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to three days, adding a splash of cream or water when reheating to restore moisture and prevent drying. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water.

This garlic shrimp pasta has completely changed my relationship with pasta dishes. What began as an experiment has become a regular feature on my dinner table—proof that humble ingredients treated with care can create truly memorable meals. The contrast between the creamy garlic sauce, tender seafood, and al dente pasta creates something far greater than the sum of its parts. Even friends who normally push seafood aside have been converted after trying this dish.

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Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they get a nice sear instead of steaming.
→ What's the best pasta shape to use with this sauce?
Long pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best as they hold the creamy sauce well. However, you could also use shorter shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer.
→ How can I make this recipe lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use a combination of milk and a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce. You could also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, peas, asparagus, or mushrooms all make great additions. Add leafy greens at the end, but sauté firmer vegetables like mushrooms with the garlic.
→ How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp cook very quickly. They're done when they turn from gray and translucent to pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so watch them carefully.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, as the sauce can thicken when cooled and the pasta continues to absorb the sauce. If needed, prepare components separately and combine just before serving.

Quick Seafood Pasta Dinner

Tender shrimp and pasta coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce with Parmesan cheese, ready in just 30 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Recipe Output: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Gather

→ For the Pasta

Contains 01 items 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
Contains 02 items 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)

→ For the Shrimp

Contains 03 items 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Contains 04 items 1 tbsp olive oil
Contains 05 items 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Contains 06 items 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Contains 07 items Salt and pepper to taste

→ For the Garlic Cream Sauce

Contains 08 items 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Contains 09 items 4 cloves garlic, minced
Contains 10 items 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
Contains 11 items 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Contains 12 items 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Contains 13 items 1 tsp lemon juice
Contains 14 items Salt and pepper to taste

→ For Garnish

Contains 15 items 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Contains 16 items Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.

Step 05

Divide the pasta among plates, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Important Tips

  1. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  2. Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables.
  3. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.

Essential Tools

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (if using regular pasta)

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 585
  • Fat Amount: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein Amount: 32 g