Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic cream sauce, all tossed with pasta. This dish balances the fresh flavor of seafood with a smooth, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. It’s simple to make yet tastes like something from a fancy restaurant. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or something to impress guests, this pasta hits the spot every time.
Quick Facts
| Course | Main Course |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Difficulty | Easy to Medium |
| Servings | 4 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Calories | ~480 per serving |
Equipment Needed
To create this creamy garlic shrimp pasta, having the right tools helps make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Colander: To drain pasta easily.
- Large skillet or frying pan: For cooking shrimp and sauce.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure ingredients precisely.
- Knife and cutting board: To chop garlic, parsley, and other ingredients.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: To handle shrimp while cooking.
- Grater (optional): For freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mixing bowl: For tossing pasta with sauce if needed.
This equipment list covers all essentials. A good skillet with even heat distribution helps cook shrimp perfectly without overcooking. Having everything prepped and ready (mise en place) saves time and stress while cooking.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the garlic sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return shrimp to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together until pasta is coated.
- Finish: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Essential Note
The key to perfect creamy garlic shrimp pasta is timing. Shrimp cooks fast—overcooking makes it rubbery, so watch closely. Use freshly minced garlic for best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic in jars, which can be less vibrant. When adding heavy cream, simmer gently to prevent curdling. Parmesan cheese must be freshly grated to melt smoothly and create a creamy texture. Also, reserve some pasta water before draining; if your sauce is too thick, add a splash of this starchy water to loosen it without losing flavor or creaminess.
