Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet impressively delicious dinner, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It perfectly combines succulent shrimp with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that clings beautifully to tender pasta strands. Every bite is a celebration of bold flavors and smooth textures that feel fancy enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your new go-to when you crave something indulgent yet effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and ensuring the perfect balance of creaminess, zest, and freshness. These ingredients are easy to find but work together to create a dish that tastes like it belongs in a cozy Italian trattoria.
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta for that classic twirl and smooth sauce coating.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that brings a sweet, briny bite to the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that irresistible garlic aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the dish its signature rich and velvety texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes that perfectly complement the cream.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing shrimp and garlic to golden perfection.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses every bite with Mediterranean charm.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Keeps all the flavors bright and balanced.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of herbal freshness and vibrant color.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with a pot of boiling salted water and cook your spaghetti or linguine until al dente—about 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures your pasta has just the right bite and won’t get mushy when tossed later in the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and slightly firm, roughly 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on size. This step locks in the shrimp’s delicate flavor and ensures they stay juicy.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the shrimp are beautifully cooked, toss in the minced garlic. Sautéing garlic for about 30 seconds releases its incredible fragrance and gently infuses the oil without burning its sweetness away. It’s the aromatic heart of the entire Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly to combine with the garlicky oil. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cream to slightly thicken, turning silky and luscious—the perfect base for the Parmesan cheese and spices to join in.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning, stirring gently until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. This step enriches the dish with cheesy, herbaceous notes that make the sauce irresistibly decadent and flavorful.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the drained pasta back into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until each strand of pasta is coated with creamy goodness and the shrimp are tucked in perfectly. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that lovely burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to top this dish, adding a bright, herbal contrast to the richness. For an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dusting of extra Parmesan gives your plate a fresh and tangy finish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad—think arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garden salad with crisp cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. A side of crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is also ideal for soaking up that heavenly creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta straight from a large skillet for a family-style feel, or plate it elegantly with a small mound of pasta twirled high on each plate, topped with shrimp and garnished with herbs. Adding a few chili flakes can also bring a lovely kick if you want to spice things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce firms up when chilled, so give it a gentle stir before reheating. Try to enjoy within 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is not ideal since cream-based sauces can separate upon thawing. However, if necessary, freeze the components separately—cooked shrimp and sauce in one container, pasta in another. Thaw and reheat gently in small batches to maintain quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to bring back the sauce’s silkiness. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and the sauce from curdling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti and linguine are the classic choices here because their thin, long strands hold the creamy sauce beautifully. But feel free to experiment with fettuccine or even penne if preferred.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream, but keep in mind the sauce will be less thick and rich. Also, reducing the amount of cheese slightly can lighten the calorie load.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus make fantastic additions. Just sauté them briefly before adding the shrimp to keep them tender-crisp.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion every time you make it, yet it’s so quick and easy, you’ll wonder why you don’t make it more often. The silky sauce, tender shrimp, and fragrant garlic come together in a perfect harmony that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious seafood dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti or linguine. This comforting pasta meal is enhanced with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the shrimp. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together well so the pasta is fully coated in the creamy garlic shrimp sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and taste.
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery; they cook quickly once heated.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
