Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Elevate your dinner game with this creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe that combines succulent shrimp and a luscious garlic-infused sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is quick to prepare, making it a go-to for weeknight meals or special occasions. Rich in flavor and texture, it’s sure to impress your family and guests alike.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-24T07:32:49.572Z

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the sea right to your table. Perfectly al dente pasta is coated in a rich, creamy sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully.

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

When it comes to quick, delicious dinners, creamy garlic shrimp pasta ticks all the right boxes. With its simplicity and speed, it's an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress everyone at the table.

The combination of tender shrimp and a rich garlic cream sauce takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine, and you have a delicious meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.

A Flavorful Combination

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe is built on a solid foundation of flavors. The savory, buttery shrimp melds beautifully with the aromatic garlic, creating a delightful scent that will have your taste buds tingling. The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan contributes to the sauce's richness, making each bite a decadent experience.

As the ingredients blend together, they create a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Using high-quality shrimp and fresh garlic elevates this meal, ensuring that it not only tastes great but also feels special—a perfect option for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.

Tips for Success

To make this dish come out perfectly every time, consider a few helpful tips. First, when cooking your pasta, don't forget to salt the water generously. This step adds flavor to the noodles, integrating beautifully with the sauce later on. Always aim for al dente pasta so it maintains a slight bite, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

When it comes to the shrimp, ensure they are cooked just until pink and opaque. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, which detracts from the dish's appeal. Lastly, feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious meal:

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons of butter
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Once you have all the ingredients ready, proceed to the cooking steps.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your creamy garlic shrimp pasta:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Combine

Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal with a side salad or garlic bread!

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. For a light accompaniment, consider a fresh mixed greens salad topped with a simple vinaigrette. The crispness of the greens contrasts nicely with the rich, creamy pasta, balancing the meal perfectly.

You could also serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. Alternatively, a side of sautéed asparagus or steamed broccoli can add a healthy touch while complementing the meal's flavor profile. Don't forget the wine; a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with seafood.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers, they can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, it's best to do so gently on the stovetop to prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked. You may need to add a splash of cream or broth to help revive the sauce's consistency.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can also innovate with leftovers. Combine it with some cooked vegetables for a quick lunch or use it as a filling for a savory pasta bake. The creamy sauce ensures that even reheated dishes remain rich and flavorful.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Elevate your dinner game with this creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe that combines succulent shrimp and a luscious garlic-infused sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is quick to prepare, making it a go-to for weeknight meals or special occasions. Rich in flavor and texture, it’s sure to impress your family and guests alike.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4.0

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine
  2. 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  3. 3 tablespoons of butter
  4. 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  5. 1 cup of heavy cream
  6. 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 04

Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 05

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 600
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 30g