Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp are cooked with garlic and tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with parmesan, then combined with pasta for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: 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 gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp work well if thawed properly.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Include sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Storage
Store any leftover creamy garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Choose your favorite for the best texture.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked through, usually about 2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
PrintCreamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish combining tender shrimp sautéed in a garlicky cream sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic cream sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss until everything is well combined and heated through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or thawed shrimp.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Grated Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta recipe, garlic cream sauce, easy pasta dinner, Italian shrimp pasta
