Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Close-up of creamy garlic shrimp pasta with crispy shrimp in white bowl on marble countertop — Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with golden crispy shrimp and silky parmesan sauce, served hot and fresh

If you’re craving comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta will absolutely steal your heart. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder delivers juicy, pan-seared shrimp tossed in a silky garlic parmesan cream sauce—with just the right hint of lemon and spice.

The best part? It’s made with everyday pantry staples you likely already have. From the rich buttery base to the luscious cream and freshly grated parmesan, this pasta feels indulgent yet refreshingly light. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, it checks every box for taste, ease, and presentation.

Interestingly, shrimp and pasta dishes became widely popular in the U.S. during the 1980s when Italian-American cuisine introduced creamy seafood pastas into casual dining. Since then, they’ve remained a fan favorite—and this version might just be your new go-to.

So, if you’re looking for a simple, satisfying dinner that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your answer.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

8 oz linguine or fettuccine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
½ lemon, juiced
2 tbsp chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the shrimp:
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

3. Make the garlic cream sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened.

4. Stir in cheese and seasoning:
Add parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and season with additional salt or pepper if needed.

5. Combine pasta and shrimp:
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed. Return shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until hot and coated.

6. Finish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Garnish with more parmesan if desired.

HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—1–2 minutes per side is plenty. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Use Fresh Garlic: For best flavor, use freshly minced garlic instead of jarred. It deepens the buttery aroma.
Reserve Pasta Water: It’s liquid gold! Use it to loosen the sauce without watering it down.

Cooked it? 🍳 Loved it? ❤️ Changed it up? 🔄 Your opinion matters! Log in with Google or Facebook using the button below, share your foodie adventure, and let’s make cooking even more fun together! 🎉