Hey y'all! If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both fast and fabulous, this Creamy Shrimp Pasta is about to become your new favorite. Juicy, tender shrimp are tossed with perfectly cooked Pasta and enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce—talk about pure comfort food! Whether you're feeding your family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this recipe is always a hit. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with plump, juicy shrimp and a velvety cream sauce.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies and spices.
- Restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen.
- Pairs well with a variety of side dishes or stands alone as a show-stopper meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream, remaining Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss gently to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
- Grate your own Parmesan for a creamier, silkier sauce—pre-shredded varieties may not melt as smoothly.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your desired heat.
Variations
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spice and add chopped bell peppers for a Southern kick.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Stir in extra lemon zest and juice, and add baby spinach for a fresh touch.
- Vegetable-Packed Creamy Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added nutrients and color.
Required Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for Parmesan
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Creamy Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to keep the sauce silky. Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.
Suggested Pairings
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad for balance.
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the creamy shrimp flavors.
- Finish with a light lemon sorbet for dessert to cleanse the palate.
Pro Tips
- Do not overcook the shrimp—they become rubbery if left on heat too long.
- Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify and loosen the sauce for a perfect creamy consistency.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce immediately after draining for optimal flavor absorption.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
- What pasta shapes work best?
- Linguine and fettuccine are perfect, but spaghetti or penne also work well.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes, swap the cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute for a creamy, lactose-free alternative.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1Cook linguine pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
2In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
-
3In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
-
4Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
-
5Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss with the sauce.
-
6Add drained linguine to the sauce and mix until evenly coated. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Leave a Reply