Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet indulgent meal featuring succulent shrimp in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date night meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon zest (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape the pan to deglaze.
- Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
-
Add Cream & Parmesan:
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt.
- Add lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
-
Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest for brightness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Garlic butter shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta recipe, shrimp alfredo, seafood pasta