Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this creamy garlic shrimp pasta that promises restaurant-quality flavor in under thirty minutes.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore every luxurious bite of this silky dish.

Succulent shrimp nestle perfectly among tender noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Fragrant garlic infuses each strand with incredible depth and complexity.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum satisfaction for anyone craving a quick, elegant meal.

Comfort meets sophistication in this simple yet impressive recipe that’ll make you feel like a professional chef.

Let’s cook something extraordinary that sparks joy and delights your taste buds.

Cooking Steps for Silky Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

• Fill a large pot with water
• Add salt generously
• Bring water to rolling boil
• Drop pasta into boiling water
• Cook until tender but firm
• Save some pasta water before draining
• Set cooked pasta aside

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Heat olive oil in skillet
• Sprinkle shrimp with seasoning mix
• Cook shrimp over medium-high heat
• Flip after 1-2 minutes
• Watch for pink, opaque color
• Remove shrimp from pan

Step 3: Create Silky Cream Sauce

• Melt butter in same skillet
• Add minced garlic
• Saute until fragrant
• Pour heavy cream
• Allow gentle simmer
• Stir in Parmesan cheese
• Add red pepper flakes
• Incorporate lemon juice
• Season with salt and pepper

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

• Toss pasta in creamy sauce
• Add reserved pasta water if needed
• Gently fold in cooked shrimp

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

• Divide pasta onto serving plates
• Sprinkle fresh parsley
• Top with extra Parmesan
• Serve immediately and enjoy

Tips to Avoid Overcooked Shrimp and Broken Sauce

• Enhance Shrimp Flavor: Marinate shrimp for 15 minutes before cooking to deepen the smoky paprika and garlic seasoning for extra taste intensity.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve perfect sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too thin or too sticky.
• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink and opaque to maintain tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery results.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery, ensuring a personalized flavor experience.
• Quick Weeknight Hack: Prep ingredients beforehand and store in refrigerator to cut down cooking time and simplify meal preparation.

Reheat This Shrimp Pasta with Confidence

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Microwaving can make shrimp rubbery and pasta soggy. If using a microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
• Creamy pasta dishes are always most delicious when eaten immediately after cooking. Leftover texture and flavor will differ from the original meal.

Ideal Pairings for Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the delicate shrimp flavors.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, creating a refreshing contrast to the pasta's creamy texture and adding a tangy brightness to the meal.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce, enhancing the garlic notes and providing a satisfying crunch alongside the soft pasta.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to introduce a clean, herbaceous element that lifts the dish's richness and adds a vibrant visual appeal.

Sauce Variations for Garlic Shrimp Pasta Perfection

• Vegetarian Seafood Swap: Replace shrimp with plant-based alternatives like king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm, sliced and seasoned similarly to mimic seafood texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use rice pasta or zucchini noodles instead of traditional wheat pasta, ensuring the dish remains creamy and flavorful for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a rich, tangy sauce while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap pasta for spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the dish's signature creamy garlic flavor profile.

Shrimp Pasta FAQ Corner

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re well-drained before seasoning and cooking to prevent excess moisture.

• How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat and remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough and chewy.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the shrimp. You can also use hot sauce or sriracha to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta That’s Rich and Comforting

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• Prepare this restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Combine smoky paprika-seasoned shrimp with a luxurious garlic cream sauce that delivers bold, creamy taste in every single bite, satisfying sophisticated palates.
• Adaptable dish works brilliantly for family dinners, date nights, or impromptu gatherings, appealing to both seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts with its universal charm.
• Using just one skillet means less washing up, making this recipe a dream for those who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen mess.

Must-Have Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood protein that provides the primary flavor and texture for the dish, best when fresh or high-quality frozen.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich and sharp cheese that helps thicken the sauce and adds deep umami flavor, preferably freshly grated.

• Pasta: Classic foundation of the dish, preferably spaghetti or linguine with good ability to hold sauce.

• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that create a robust and complex flavor profile for the shrimp.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic base that provides intense flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat that helps sear shrimp and prevent sticking.
• Butter: Creamy ingredient that enriches the sauce and provides smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious base that creates a rich and velvety sauce consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component that balances the richness and adds freshness.

• Fresh Parsley: Green herb that provides color, freshness, and light herbal notes.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky strands of pasta embrace succulent garlic shrimp in this Mediterranean-inspired classic. Creamy sauce and fresh herbs elevate simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until achieving a tender yet firm texture. Extract and preserve a modest portion of starchy liquid before draining the noodles.
2. Prepare seafood by generously coating with smoky spice blend, aromatic powder, and seasoning. Warm olive oil in a expansive skillet over intense heat. Sear shrimp until they transform into a rosy, translucent state, approximately two minutes per side. Transfer protein to a separate dish.
3. Within the same cooking vessel, melt butter and introduce finely chopped garlic. Allow aromatics to release their essence for a brief moment. Pour rich cream and encourage a gentle bubbling. Incorporate sharp cheese and optional spicy flakes, stirring until a silky consistency emerges.
4. Introduce cooked pasta into the velvety sauce, ensuring each strand becomes elegantly coated. Should the mixture appear overly dense, introduce reserved liquid to achieve perfect moisture. Gently reintegrate previously cooked shrimp into the creamy ensemble.
5. Artfully distribute the luxurious mixture across serving plates. Embellish with verdant herb garnish and additional cheese shavings. Present immediately to capture maximum flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: The starchy reserved pasta water acts as a secret weapon to perfectly adjust sauce consistency, helping it cling beautifully to noodles.
• Seafood Freshness Hack: Always choose fresh, deveined shrimp and pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when cooking.
• Spice Customization: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level or swap with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor profile that complements the creamy sauce.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use coconut cream for a dairy-free version, or replace shrimp with grilled chicken for protein variety.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 200mg