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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and easy-to-make dish featuring perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce with Parmesan cheese, served over tender pasta. This elegant yet straightforward recipe is perfect for a quick dinner that feels special, combining the bold flavors of garlic, lemon, and a hint of spice with the satisfying textures of shrimp and pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
  2. 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. Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the garlic cream sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water incrementally if needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
  5. Return shrimp to skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and gently toss everything together to combine and reheat shrimp slightly.
  6. Serve: Divide the creamy garlic shrimp pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
  • Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to boost flavor and nutrition.
  • Adjust spiciness by increasing red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce.
  • This recipe is easily adaptable to gluten-free pasta options.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream; avoid overcooking shrimp during reheating to maintain texture.
  • Frozen shrimp can be used if fully thawed and dried before cooking.
  • Long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine work best to hold the creamy sauce.
  • For dairy-free preparation, use plant-based cream alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, shrimp pasta recipe, garlic cream sauce, quick dinner, easy seafood pasta, creamy pasta dish

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/creamy-garlic-shrimp-pasta-recipe/