Silky Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Dreamy Dinner Triumph

Seafood enthusiasts adore this garlic shrimp pasta that brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to your kitchen.

Succulent shrimp dance alongside tender pasta in a luxurious sauce that promises pure comfort.

The harmonious blend of garlic, cream, and tender seafood creates an irresistible meal you can craft in under 30 minutes.

Fresh herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese elevate this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant and delicious.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this restaurant-worthy recipe and transform an average evening into a culinary celebration.

What You Need For Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Linguine, Fettuccine: Choose bronze-cut pasta for better sauce absorption and authentic texture.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid helps create silky, clingy sauce with perfect consistency.

• Shrimp: Select fresh, wild-caught shrimp for superior flavor and sustainability.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds deep, smoky warmth and vibrant color to shrimp.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent, even seasoning throughout the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates rich, velvety foundation for cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture and decadent mouthfeel.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, sharp undertones and helps thicken sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and cuts through richness of cream.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat element for subtle spicy kick.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbaceous garnish and visual appeal.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking medium with subtle fruity notes.

Tools For Cooking Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking shrimp and creating creamy sauce.
• Medium bowl: Used for seasoning shrimp with spices.
• Cutting board: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise garlic and herb preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and pasta.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure spices and seasonings accurately.
• Colander: Useful for draining cooked pasta.

Steps To Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil a pot of water with salt. Cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Save some pasta water before draining.

• Shrimp Seasoning

Sprinkle shrimp with spices for extra flavor. Heat oil in a skillet and cook shrimp quickly until they turn rosy pink. Set aside these delicious morsels.

• Velvety Sauce Creation

Melt butter in the same pan and release garlic’s aromatic magic. Pour in cream and let it bubble gently. Stir in cheese until it melts into a silky smooth sauce. Add a squeeze of citrus and adjust seasoning.

• Bringing Everything Together

Toss pasta into the luxurious sauce, making sure every strand gets coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.

• Final Touch

Plate the pasta and shower with fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of cheese. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Helpful Tips For Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp Searing Technique: Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming. Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan for the most delicious caramelization.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a rich, cheesy flavor profile while keeping the dish vegan-friendly.
• Heat Harmony: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, or add extra for a spicier kick. For those who love intense flavor, consider adding a dash of cayenne or sriracha sauce.
• Protein Possibilities: Easily transform the recipe by substituting shrimp with grilled chicken, seared scallops, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Each protein brings a unique texture and flavor to the creamy pasta base.

How To Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Right

• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts on top for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Chop fresh basil or dill alongside parsley to add bright, aromatic notes that complement the creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with a light mixed green salad or roasted asparagus to create a well-rounded meal that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Storage Plan For Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cook extra shrimp and pasta to create quick lunch meals for the next 2-3 days. Store components separately in airtight containers to maintain texture and freshness.
• Refrigeration Guide: Keep the prepared dish in sealed containers for up to 3 days. Consume within 24-48 hours for optimal taste and safety. Avoid leaving creamy sauce at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm gently in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle. Add small splash of cream or water to restore sauce's silky consistency. Stir carefully to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery.
• Freezing Tips: Not recommended for this recipe due to cream sauce's delicate texture. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and lose smooth consistency when frozen and thawed. Best enjoyed fresh within recommended refrigeration timeframe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 3

Silky Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Garlic lovers will adore this creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Delicate shrimp nestle among silky noodles, promising a luxurious meal you can savor with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt (for boiling water)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Shrimp Seasoning and Searing: Coat shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear shrimp in olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and translucent. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, allowing it to simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce thickens. Enhance with a squeeze of lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Combining Elements: Integrate cooked pasta into the cream sauce, ensuring complete coverage. If needed, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water. Gently fold in the seared shrimp, coating them thoroughly with the creamy mixture.
5. Plating and Finishing: Transfer pasta to serving plates. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Manage Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring each bite maintains a slight resistance when chewed.
• Control Shrimp Cooking Time: Sear shrimp quickly (1-2 minutes per side) to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water strategically to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, creating a silky, smooth coating for the pasta.
• Customize Flavor Profile: Adjust seasoning with red pepper flakes for heat, extra Parmesan for richness, or lemon juice for brightness, tailoring the dish to personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg