Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

The aroma of sizzling garlic mingling with tender, succulent shrimp is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Imagine twirling your fork through a luscious pool of creamy sauce, each bite bursting with flavor that dances on your palate like it’s auditioning for a Broadway show.

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta has been a staple in my kitchen for years. I can still recall the first time I made it for my family; their reactions were priceless! The way their eyes lit up as they tasted the velvety sauce made me feel like a five-star chef. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an unexpected gathering of friends, this dish always steals the spotlight and leaves everyone wanting more.

The last time I served this dish at a family gathering, I swear I heard my cousin whispering sweet nothings to her bowl. It was love at first bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Choose your favorite type of pasta; both work beautifully to soak up the sauce.
• Fresh Shrimp: Use large, peeled and deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential; it enhances the overall aroma and taste.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess; don’t skimp here if you want that wow factor!
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan elevates the dish’s flavor profile; use generously.
• Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil adds depth and helps cook the shrimp evenly.
• Salt and Pepper: Always season generously to bring out all the flavors in this dish.
• Parsley (optional): Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness for garnish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cooking this creamy garlic shrimp pasta is simpler than you might think, so let’s get started!

Prepare Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain but reserve some pasta water.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in your fresh shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes.

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic with the cooked shrimp; let it sauté until fragrant—around one minute. Keep an eye on it; we want fragrant garlic—not burnt!

Create the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with shrimp and garlic. Stir well while letting it simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Toss in Cheese: Add grated parmesan cheese gradually into the sauce while stirring continuously. This will create a luxurious texture that clings beautifully to your pasta.

Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta into the skillet along with some reserved water if needed. Toss everything together until well coated—this is where magic happens!

Now you have a plate of dreamy creamy garlic shrimp pasta ready to impress anyone who crosses your threshold!

Feel free to enjoy this delightful dish all on its own or pair it with a crisp salad or some freshly baked bread – just be prepared for everyone asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then sauté the shrimp and garlic in a separate pan for perfect flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain creaminess.

Sometimes, I make this dish for friends, and they think I’m a culinary wizard—little do they know it’s just creamy garlic shrimp pasta!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for creamy garlic shrimp pasta?

Yes, just thaw them beforehand for even cooking and flavor absorption.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add more cheese or let the sauce simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk, but the texture will differ slightly.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp enveloped in a velvety sauce, perfect for impressing family and friends at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1 lb large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional) for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti or fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet with shrimp and garlic; simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Gradually add parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until melted and creamy.
6. Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

Notes

• For added nutrition, consider incorporating spinach or bell peppers while sautéing the shrimp.
•  If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 210mg