If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Combining tender shrimp cooked to perfection with a luscious garlic-infused creamy sauce and al dente pasta, this meal is both elegant and incredibly satisfying. Each bite bursts with flavor, as the savory Parmesan and delicate herbs melt together, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests who will surely be impressed by this easy yet gourmet dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right starts with simple, well-chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fresh shrimp that brings succulent sweetness to the creamy sauce that envelops the pasta in rich flavor, every item is essential to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta: These long, flat noodles hold the creamy sauce beautifully for every bite.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Adds tender, juicy seafood goodness that is the star protein of the dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for sautéing shrimp and building depth in the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Offers that signature aromatic punch and warmth to the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory base and helps deglaze the pan for flavor enhancement.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The ingredient that creates the rich, velvety texture essential to the dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty tang that brightens the creaminess perfectly.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that layers in a fragrant, earthy dimension.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Delivers subtle heat and a touch of excitement to the sauce.
- salt and black pepper to taste: The little essentials that elevate every flavor in the dish.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings a fresh, vibrant pop of color and freshness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling salted water and cooking your choice of fettuccine or linguine until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—cooked through but still firm to the bite. This ensures the noodles will hold up wonderfully under the rich sauce without turning mushy. Drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the star components of the dish.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
Season your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to sear the shrimp quickly so they remain juicy. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm—nothing tastes better than tender shrimp bursting with flavor in every forkful.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet to soak up those beautiful, tasty bits left behind by the shrimp. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, never letting it burn. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, gently scraping the browned bits from the pan to infuse the sauce with irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken and intensify flavors. Return the shrimp to the pan, adding the cooked pasta last. Toss well so every strand is completely coated in this creamy, garlicky goodness, ensuring a harmonious taste in every bite.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled just before serving adds not only a burst of vibrant color but also a bright contrast to the indulgent cream sauce. For an added flourish, a few extra shavings of Parmesan make the dish look restaurant-worthy and add a touch more cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp garlic bread that you can use to mop up every last bit of sauce. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness and adds refreshing textural contrast, elevating your meal to something truly delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving this creamy garlic shrimp pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with parsley and lemon wedges on the side to brighten flavors as desired. You can also add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes folded into the sauce to introduce pops of color and extra depth of flavor, making your presentation as stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover creamy garlic shrimp pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without sacrificing quality. Just be sure to keep it well sealed to preserve the creamy texture and the lovely shrimp.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh rather than frozen, as the cream sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing. However, if you must freeze, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can cause the shrimp to become rubbery and the sauce to break. Take your time, and the dish will taste just as glorious as when it was first made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine works wonderfully thanks to their flat shape, you can experiment with penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta based on your preference or dietary needs.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast, though the flavor will shift slightly. These substitutions keep the dish creamy and satisfying while accommodating dietary restrictions.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Great question! Consider adding sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms either in the sauce or as a topping. They add color, nutrition, and fresh flavors that complement the shrimp and creamy sauce beautifully.
What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp quickly at medium-high heat and watch for when they turn pink and opaque—this usually takes just a few minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so timing is everything for perfect texture.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and shrimp ahead of time, then prepare the sauce right before serving. Reheat the shrimp gently in the sauce to avoid drying it out, and toss everything together just before plating for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe that makes any mealtime feel like a celebration. With its rich but balanced flavors, straightforward techniques, and elegant yet cozy appeal, it quickly becomes a favorite in every kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe yourself and share it with loved ones—it’s the type of dish that invites smiles, seconds, and stories over the dinner table.
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and quick Italian-inspired main course that features tender shrimp cooked in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente fettuccine pasta. This flavorful dish combines fragrant garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning to create a comforting seafood pasta meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
For the Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the fettuccine or linguine pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside for later use.
- Season the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper evenly on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, to release its aroma.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate extra flavor. Then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta as well. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the creamy sauce and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh and vibrant garnish. Serve the creamy garlic shrimp pasta immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter, lower-fat version of the sauce.
- Adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes enhances both flavor and nutritional value.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
