Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This creamy shrimp pasta is a luxurious and satisfying dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and easy recipe that tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant but is simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
• Perfect balance of garlic, parmesan, and succulent shrimp
• Crowd-pleasing and elegant enough for guests
• Easily customizable with veggies or different proteins
• One-pan sauce for easy cleanup
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Great for both casual and special occasions
• Comfort food at its best
• Reheats well for delicious leftovers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite type)
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.
6. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: Try spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers
• Spice it up: Use more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream
• Cheesy twist: Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese for extra creaminess
• Swap proteins: Substitute shrimp with chicken, scallops, or tofu

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the shrimp can become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are ideal, but any pasta will work.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream alternative and vegan parmesan for a dairy-free version.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer slightly longer, or add a little more parmesan cheese for a thicker consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the pasta and shrimp in advance and reheat gently with the sauce.

How do I prevent overcooked shrimp?

Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque—usually 1–2 minutes per side.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add it at the very end just to warm through—don’t overcook.

What wine pairs well with creamy shrimp pasta?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the cream sauce and shrimp.

Can I freeze creamy shrimp pasta?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate and shrimp texture may suffer.

Conclusion

Creamy shrimp pasta is the ultimate comfort food with gourmet appeal. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any night of the week. Keep this recipe on hand for when you want something impressive yet simple to prepare.

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