Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Juice of 1 lemon; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta when I want to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting dish at home. The rich, creamy sauce with garlic paired with succulent shrimp creates a delicious symphony of flavors that I can't resist. It's a dish that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly quick to whip up. The hint of lemon zest brightens everything up, tying all the elements together beautifully. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen for every occasion.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-01-07T14:52:12.849Z

Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta has become an absolute favorite in my household. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of freshly minced garlic sizzling in butter filled the air, making everyone anticipate the meal. I used fresh shrimp, and the way they cooked perfectly in the creamy sauce was mesmerizing. It paired wonderfully with al dente pasta and was quickly devoured by all.

One of my favorite tips is to add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth and complexity. It elevates the dish to another level and truly makes the flavors pop. I also ensure to finish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. It's these little details that turn a simple dinner into a mouthwatering experience.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich creamy sauce with a perfect hint of garlic
Tender shrimp cooked to perfection
Quick and easy to prepare for any night of the week

      

Perfecting the Shrimp

When cooking the shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; this helps achieve that beautiful sear. Cooking them for about 2-3 minutes per side should give you perfectly tender shrimp. Look for a bright pink color and a slightly opaque center—overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them during this step. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily substitute with scallops or chicken breast, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

To make sure your shrimp is fresh, choose shrimp with a translucent appearance and a mild scent. If you're using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Always have them peeled and deveined to simplify your cooking process. For an added flavor boost, consider marinating your shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and a sprinkle of paprika for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

Crafting the Creamy Sauce

The success of this dish lies in the creamy sauce. When you add the heavy cream to the skillet, keep the heat on medium to allow for gentle simmering. This will help thicken the sauce without curdling it. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking and cook it until it’s slightly thickened and glossy, about 5 minutes. Incorporating the red pepper flakes introduces a lovely background heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

For a luxurious touch, allow the sauce to simmer a bit longer, but monitor the richness; if it becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of pasta water. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor and create a silkier texture. If you wish to make a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half, but note that this will yield a slightly thinner sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

With these ingredients, you're well on your way to a delicious meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy garlic shrimp pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, salt, and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.

Combine Everything

Stir in the cooked pasta, shrimp, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Now you have a delicious and creamy garlicky pasta ready to impress!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of lemon zest for brightness. You can also substitute shrimp for chicken or vegetables for a delightful variation.

Storage and Reheating

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water to help restore the sauce’s consistency. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to ensure the shrimp doesn’t overcook, aiming for a warm but not boiling temperature.

Freezing this dish is not recommended due to the cream sauce, which can separate upon thawing. However, you can prepare the sauce in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to add freshly cooked pasta and shrimp. This allows for a quick and effortless dinner prep on busy nights.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad, which adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully. For a touch of brightness, serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their plates.

For a fun twist, you can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pasta, incorporating them just before you mix in the sauce. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value. Feel free to experiment with herbs; fresh basil or thyme can add a lovely aromatic profile to the final dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a vegan cream alternative, but it may affect the richness of the sauce.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it's best when fresh, you can make the sauce ahead; just reheating it gently before serving.

→ Is this pasta dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes; you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.