Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Pasta

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Pasta is a comforting yet elegant dish that brings together tender, juicy shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. Inspired by Italian-style cooking, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. The combination of garlic, cream, Parmesan, and herbs creates a restaurant-quality meal you can make right at home.

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Shrimp

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp paprika or chili flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season the Shrimp
   Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, black pepper, and paprika or chili flakes if using.
3. Cook the Shrimp
   Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Base
   In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
   Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring gently. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add Cheese & Combine
   Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
7. Bring It All Together
   Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
8. Finish & Serve
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they should be tender, not rubbery
• Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich
• Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. Adding extra Parmesan helps thicken it.

What pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work best because they hold creamy sauces well.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions.