Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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A Restaurant-Style Pasta Dish You Can Master at Home

If you’re craving something rich, savory, and indulgent, look no further than Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. This classic seafood pasta is an elegant yet comforting dish made with juicy sautéed shrimp, garlicky cream sauce, and tender linguine—all topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or simply treating yourself, this recipe is both easy to make and restaurant-worthy in flavor.

This article will guide you through every step to make your own perfect shrimp pasta from scratch, along with expert tips, preparation insights, calorie info, and cooking techniques to elevate your dish. Ready to impress your taste buds (and maybe your guests too)? Let’s get cooking.

 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

  • Creamy and comforting: A luxurious garlic cream sauce ties everything together.

  • Versatile: You can switch up the pasta or make it spicy, dairy-free, or even keto-friendly.

  • Protein-rich: Shrimp adds lean protein and brings a gourmet touch.

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

To make the perfect creamy garlic shrimp pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pasta

  • 8 oz linguine pasta
    (Fettuccine or spaghetti can also be used.)

For the Shrimp

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1½ tbsp butter, divided

  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (optional but highly recommended for a flavor boost)

For the Cream Sauce

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

 Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight meals when you want something fast yet special.

 Calorie Information

  • Per Serving (approx.): 500 kcal
    (Based on 4 servings total. Calories may vary depending on type of cream, cheese, and portion sizes.)

 How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Step-by-Step

Here’s a clear breakdown of each cooking stage to ensure your shrimp pasta turns out rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned:

 Step 1: Cook the Linguine

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

  2. Add 8 oz of linguine pasta to the pot.

  3. Cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes), stirring occasionally.

  4. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water—this will help emulsify the sauce later.

  5. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! You want it al dente so it holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.

 Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.

  2. Add the 1 lb raw shrimp to the skillet.

  3. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning if using.

  4. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until pink, opaque, and slightly golden.

  5. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook shrimp in batches if necessary to get a proper sear.

 Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce

  1. In the same skillet (do not wipe it out), add the remaining ½ tbsp of butter.

  2. Once melted, add the minced garlic.

  3. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—do not brown the garlic.

  4. Pour in the ½ cup heavy cream, stirring gently to scrape up any shrimp bits from the bottom.

  5. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.

Flavor Boost: If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of white wine for depth.

 Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp & Sauce

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.

  2. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.

  3. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in sauce.

  4. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently fold them into the pasta mixture.

  5. Let everything warm through for 1–2 minutes.

 Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Remove the skillet from heat.

  2. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.

  3. Optional: Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

  4. Serve immediately while hot.

Presentation Tip: Twirl pasta onto a plate with tongs for a restaurant-style presentation and place shrimp on top for visual appeal.

 Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Shrimp Pasta

1. Use Fresh Shrimp Whenever Possible

Fresh, raw shrimp offers better texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp only needs a few minutes to cook—overcooking can make it rubbery. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.

3. Reserve Pasta Water

Pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce bind to the pasta. Adding it gradually lets you control the consistency.

4. Use Fresh Parmesan

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly. Use fresh, finely grated Parmesan for best results.

5. Make It Spicy

A pinch of crushed red pepper or diced jalapeño adds a pleasant heat that pairs beautifully with the cream sauce.

6. Try Different Pasta Shapes

While linguine is traditional, you can use angel hair, penne, or fettuccine—just adjust the cooking time.

7. Make It Gluten-Free

Swap regular linguine with gluten-free pasta without sacrificing taste or texture.

8. Add Veggies

For extra color and nutrition, stir in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.

 Pairing Suggestions

  • Drink: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness.

  • Side Dish: Serve with garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad.

  • Dessert: End the meal with a light lemon sorbet or vanilla panna cotta.

 How to Store & Reheat

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

  • Do Not Freeze: Cream sauces can separate when frozen and reheated.

 Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is proof that a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish doesn’t have to be complicated. With a handful of quality ingredients and under 30 minutes of your time, you can create a crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies every craving—from the comforting noodles to the rich, garlicky cream sauce, and juicy, flavorful shrimp.

Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a family favorite in the making, this pasta recipe brings elegance to your everyday table. Bookmark it, share it, and make it again and again—this one’s a keeper.

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