Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings a touch of luxury to your dinner table. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this pasta dish combines succulent shrimp with a creamy garlic sauce. The best part? It only takes around 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great choice for busy evenings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients :
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Directions :
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.Cook the Shrimp:
In a bowl, season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.Serve:
Divide pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Serve this tasty dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a lovely dinner experience.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if needed.
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor in your sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and pepper.
Variation
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
- Add Vegetables: Consider incorporating sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Lemon-Garlic Twist: Add more lemon juice and zest for a refreshing twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are all great choices for this recipe.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead and quickly assemble before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, garlic-filled pasta adventure!
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A luxurious and creamy pasta dish with succulent shrimp and a rich garlic sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
- Divide pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
For maximum flavor, use fresh garlic and don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp.