Creamy garlic shrimp pasta is absolutely incredible. Made it last night and whole family couldn’t stop eating it. The combo of juicy shrimp + garlic sauce + al dente pasta just hits different. What makes this recipe special is how quick it comes together – literally 20 mins from start to finish. Perfect for those nights when u want something fancy but don’t have time. The sauce is rich and velvety without being heavy and the shrimp adds perfect protein. Keep reading to learn my secret ingredient that makes this creamy garlic shrimp pasta better than restaurant quality!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Honestly this recipe saved me so many times when guests showed up unexpectedly. Everyone thinks I spent hours in kitchen but truth is it’s super quick and uses ingredients u probably already have.
Last month my sister-in-law dropped by unannounced and I whipped this up in 20 mins. She literally asked for recipe before leaving lol. What’s great is u can customize it based on what’s in your fridge – no heavy cream? No problem. Don’t have fresh herbs? Still works great.
The best part is u can make it as fancy or simple as u want. Sometimes I add extra veggies when trying to be healthy other times I go all in with extra cream and cheese when craving comfort food.
Ingredients for Homemade Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined – fresh works best but frozen is fine too just thaw completely
- 4 cloves garlic minced – don’t use jarred stuff for this recipe the fresh flavor makes huge difference
- 2 tbsp olive oil – use good quality if u have it
- 1 tbsp butter – salted or unsalted both work
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes – adjust if u want more heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream – can sub half and half if trying to cut calories but sauce won’t be as thick
- ½ cup chicken broth – adds depth but vegetable broth works too
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated – pre-grated won’t melt right
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – bottled works in pinch but fresh is way better
- 1 tsp lemon zest – optional but adds brightness
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine – can sub linguine penne or any pasta u like
- ¼ cup pasta water reserved – don’t forget this step super important for sauce consistency
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped – for garnish
How to Make Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring large pot of water to boil add generous amount of salt
- Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions usually 8-10 mins
- Before draining reserve ¼ cup pasta water – this is crucial for silky sauce
- Drain pasta but don’t rinse it needs the starch
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels – important for good sear
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat add olive oil
- When oil is hot add shrimp in single layer – don’t crowd pan or they’ll steam instead of sear
- Cook 2 mins per side until pink and opaque – they should have slight char
- Remove shrimp to plate and cover to keep warm
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In same skillet add butter and let melt
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape bottom of pan to get all the flavor bits
- Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream stir well
- Let sauce simmer 3-4 mins until it starts to thicken slightly
- Add parmesan cheese handful at time stirring until melted
- Stir in lemon juice and zest sauce will thicken more
- If sauce gets too thick add reserved pasta water little at time
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta to sauce toss until completely coated
- Gently fold in cooked shrimp let everything heat through about 1 min
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving
Tasty Variations of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Spicy Cajun Version
Add 1-2 tsp cajun seasoning to shrimp before cooking and extra red pepper flakes to sauce. This gives amazing kick that balances with cream sauce. Try adding bell peppers too.
Mediterranean Style
Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes 1/4 cup kalamata olives and 2 tbsp capers to sauce. Finish with crumbled feta instead of parmesan. Reminds me of vacation in Greece!
Veggie Packed Healthy Option
Throw in sautéed zucchini spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cut cream in half and use more broth to lighten it up. Still tasty but less calories.
Lobster Upgrade
Special occasion? Sub half the shrimp with lobster meat. Expensive but worth it for birthdays or anniversaries. Add touch of brandy to sauce for extra luxury.
Lemon Herb Freshness
Double the lemon zest and add mix of fresh herbs like basil dill and chives. Perfect for summer dinners on patio. Lighter and brighter flavor profile.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta FAQs
Can I make creamy garlic shrimp pasta ahead of time?
Not ideal for complete meal prep. Sauce separates when reheated and shrimp gets rubbery. Better option is prep components separately – cook shrimp marinate in garlic oil have sauce ingredients ready. Then just need 10 mins to put together fresh when ready to eat.
What’s the best pasta for creamy garlic shrimp pasta?
Fettuccine works amazing cause sauce clings to wide noodles. But honestly any pasta works fine. Linguine spaghetti or penne all good choices. For low-carb option try zucchini noodles but add them raw to hot sauce to avoid getting soggy.
How do I store leftover creamy garlic shrimp pasta?
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently on stove with splash of cream or milk to bring sauce back together. Microwave works too but use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds. Freezing not recommended texture gets weird.
Can I use frozen shrimp for creamy garlic shrimp pasta?
Absolutely! Actually keep frozen shrimp on hand specifically for this recipe. Just thaw completely pat dry really well before cooking. If short on time run under cold water 5 mins then dry thoroughly. Never thaw in hot water ruins texture.
How do I make this creamy garlic shrimp pasta dairy-free?
Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk – surprisingly good! Skip parmesan or use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Add little extra lemon juice to balance richness of coconut. Made this for lactose intolerant friend and she couldn’t believe was dairy-free.
What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp pasta?
Simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette perfect match. Garlic bread also amazing for soaking up extra sauce. If want more green veggies roasted asparagus or broccoli work great. For wine pairing crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements creamy sauce without overpowering shrimp.
Is creamy garlic shrimp pasta spicy?
Base recipe has mild heat from red pepper flakes. Easy to adjust – skip completely for no spice or double amount for nice kick. Can also add dash of hot sauce at table so everyone controls own spice level. My kids eat mild version while husband and I add extra heat to ours.
Why This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe Works
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta has become our go-to dinner for both weeknights and when having friends over. Started making it when dating my husband and now our kids request it weekly.
What makes it special is balance between rich and fresh flavors. The garlic gives amazing depth while lemon cuts through richness. Perfect comfort food that doesn’t leave u feeling too heavy after.
Should try this recipe tonight – bet it becomes your new favorite too! If looking for more amazing shrimp recipes check out our Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers or refreshing Shrimp Avocado Salad for summer days.
Remember cooking should be fun not stressful! This easy creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe proves u don’t need complicated techniques for restaurant-quality meal at home.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Microplane (for lemon zest)
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest optional
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente (8–10 minutes).
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain (do not rinse).
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear shrimp in a single layer for 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds.
- Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping the bottom.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add parmesan gradually, stirring until melted.
- Mix in lemon juice and zest.
- Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 4: Combine
- Add pasta to sauce and toss to coat.
- Gently fold in shrimp.
- Warm through, adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
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