It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You need a meal that feels special but takes minimal effort after a long day.
This creamy shrimp pasta is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers. It is bright, fresh, and feels like a luxury restaurant meal made in your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
You will love how this dish comes together in just 25 minutes. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and pantry.
The secret is using cream cheese for the base. It creates a velvety smooth sauce without the fuss of a traditional roux or heavy cream.
This recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly. Frozen shrimp is often on sale and keeps perfectly in your freezer for nights like this.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this meal is as easy as boiling water. You simply cook your pasta and sear the shrimp in a single pan.
The sauce builds right in the skillet where you cooked the shrimp. This means extra flavor and fewer dishes for you to wash later.
Even if you are a beginner, you can master this one-pan sauce technique. It is foolproof and consistently delicious every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients focus on fresh flavors and pantry staples. Most of these items are likely in your kitchen right now.
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This is liquid gold for your sauce!
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear in the skillet for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed cream cheese and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Whisk constantly until the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes until fully melted and incorporated.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.
- Toss thoroughly to coat. Add more pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while it is warm and creamy.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this pasta in shallow bowls to catch every drop of the sauce. A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping.
Pair this meal with a simple green garden salad. The crisp greens balance the richness of the cream cheese beautifully.
For a special touch, enjoy this with a glass of chilled white wine. It turns an ordinary Tuesday into a mini celebration.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers will stay fresh in your fridge for up to two days. Store them in an airtight container as soon as they cool.
Creamy sauces can thicken quite a bit when cold. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to the pan.
Warm it gently over low heat on the stove. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water before draining.
- Use room temperature cream cheese so it melts into the sauce faster.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before searing.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp or they will become rubbery.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end for extra brightness.
- If you have picky eaters, leave out the red pepper flakes.
- Double the garlic if your family loves bold flavors.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Add two cups of fresh baby spinach during the last minute of cooking.
- Swap the shrimp for grilled chicken strips for a different protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dietary friendly for everyone.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Simply whisk in a little more pasta water. The starch in the water helps keep the sauce creamy rather than watery.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately. However, you can prep the ingredients earlier in the day to save time.
I hope this creamy shrimp pasta brings a little joy to your busy weeknight. It is a simple way to show your family some love through a home-cooked meal. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Cream Cheese Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear in the skillet for 2 minutes per side until opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cubed cream cheese and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, whisking constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes until incorporated.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.
- Toss thoroughly to coat, adding more pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time if the sauce requires thinning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
