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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender shrimp, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • 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.
  2. Cook the Shrimp:
    • 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.
  3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
    • 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.
  4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
    • 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.
  5. Serve:
    • Divide the pasta among plates, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Notes

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