Totally obsessed with this creamy garlic shrimp pasta lately! Made it like 3 times last week and can’t get enough. There’s something about that combo of tender shrimp, al dente pasta and rich garlic sauce that just hits different. When you’re craving comfort food but don’t wanna spend hours in the kitchen, this is THE recipe to try. Trust me, the garlicky cream sauce with juicy shrimp is gonna blow your mind – keep reading to find out my secret ingredient that takes it to the next level!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Listen, I know what it’s like trying to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. This creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe saved me so many times when I had guests coming over with zero prep time. My cousin who “doesn’t do seafood” even went back for seconds!
What makes this recipe special:
- Ready in under 30 mins (seriously!)
- Uses ingredients you probably already have
- The sauce is ridiculously creamy without being heavy
- Works with fresh OR frozen shrimp (more on that later)
- Customizable depending on what veggies you have
I’ve tried tons of creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipes over the years, but this one’s different. The sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly, and there’s plenty of it – no dry pasta here!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional but recommended!)
The shrimp is obvs the star here. Fresh is amazing if you can get it, but frozen works great too – just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Don’t skip this step or your shrimp won’t get that nice sear! The butter-garlic combo is what gives the shrimp that incredible flavor base. I sometimes add extra garlic cuz you can never have too much IMO.
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- Salt for pasta water
You can actually use any pasta you want, but long pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine work best for creamy garlic shrimp pasta cuz they hold the sauce so well. Always salt your pasta water – it should taste like the ocean! This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 4 more garlic cloves (yes, more garlic!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Heavy cream makes the sauce super rich, but you could sub half-and-half if you want something lighter. The parmesan adds that salty depth that makes everything better. Don’t use the pre-grated stuff if possible – fresh grated melts way better! The lemon juice is my secret weapon – it cuts through the richness and makes all the flavors pop.
How to Make the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Prep Everything
First things first – get your mise en place ready (fancy way of saying “prep your ingredients”). Mince all that garlic, dice the onion, grate the cheese. Having everything ready makes the actual cooking go super quick.
Cook your pasta according to package directions but take it out 1 minute early (it’ll finish cooking in the sauce). Save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining – this is liquid gold for making the sauce extra silky!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (but not burning!), add the shrimp in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear! Cook for about 2 mins per side until they turn pink and start to curl. They should have some nice color on them. During the last 30 seconds, add half the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
The shrimp cook super fast so keep an eye on them – overcooked shrimp get rubbery and sad. Once they’re done, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make That Amazing Sauce
In the same pan (don’t clean it – all that shrimpy goodness adds flavor!), add 2 tbsp butter and the diced onion. Cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 mins. Add remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where the flavor is! Let it reduce by half, then add the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer (don’t boil or the cream might separate) and cook for about 3-4 mins until it starts to thicken.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the parmesan until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until every strand is coated. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, lemon juice, and most of the parsley (save some for garnish). Let everything hang out together for a minute so the pasta can absorb some of that amazing sauce.
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning – maybe add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if needed.
Serve immediately topped with the remaining parsley and extra parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!
Tasty Variations of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Want to switch things up? Here are some awesome ways to make this creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe your own:
Spicy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Double the red pepper flakes and add a tablespoon of cajun seasoning to the sauce. If you’re really brave, mix in some diced jalapeños! This reminds me of my Spicy Shrimp Tacos but in pasta form.
Lemon Herb Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Add the zest of one lemon along with the juice, and throw in a mix of fresh herbs like basil, dill, and chives along with the parsley.
Veggie-Packed Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Sauté some cherry tomatoes, spinach, and zucchini before making the sauce. The veggies add amazing color and make it feel a little healthier!
White Wine Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Replace half the chicken broth with dry white wine for an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of feta cheese instead of some of the parmesan.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for pasta
- Colander
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- Salt for pasta water
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Mince garlic, dice onion, and grate parmesan. Cook pasta in salted water 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp 2 mins per side until pink. Add half the garlic and red pepper flakes in the last 30 seconds. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Add remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, deglaze the pan, and reduce by half. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 mins.
- Finish the Dish: Lower heat. Stir in parmesan until melted. Add pasta, reserved pasta water (as needed), shrimp, lemon juice, and most parsley. Toss gently.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
What is the best way to make garlic shrimp pasta?
The absolute best way to make garlic shrimp pasta is cooking the shrimp separately from the sauce first. This gives them that perfect sear without overcooking. Also, always save some pasta water – it’s the secret to a silky sauce that perfectly coats every bite. And don’t skimp on the garlic (I use at least 8-10 cloves) cuz it’s literally in the name of the dish!
How do you thicken garlic shrimp pasta sauce?
To thicken garlic shrimp pasta sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. The cream will naturally reduce and get thicker. You can also add more grated parmesan – the cheese not only adds flavor but acts as a thickener too. If it’s still not thick enough, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Just don’t use flour – it can make the sauce grainy.
What kind of pasta goes best with garlic shrimp?
Long pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti go best with creamy garlic shrimp pasta. The flat surfaces give more area for that delicious sauce to cling to. Ribbon-like pasta holds cream sauce better than small shapes like penne or farfalle. But tbh, use whatever pasta you have on hand – this sauce is so good it works with anything!
Is garlic shrimp pasta healthy?
Creamy garlic shrimp pasta isn’t the healthiest dish cuz of the heavy cream and butter, but it’s all about balance! Shrimp is actually super nutritious – high in protein and low in fat. To make it healthier, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, add tons of veggies, or serve smaller portions with a big side salad. It’s definitely healthier than takeout!
Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic shrimp pasta?
Absolutely! I use frozen shrimp for creamy garlic shrimp pasta all the time. Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or in a colander under cold running water if you’re in a hurry. Make sure to pat them dry really well with paper towels before cooking – this is super important for getting that nice sear instead of steaming them.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce might thicken up in the fridge, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up.
To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or gently warm on the stovetop over low heat. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating!
If you want to prep ahead, you can:
- Clean and devein the shrimp a day before
- Make the sauce and store separately
- Cook pasta, toss with a bit of olive oil and refrigerate
- Combine everything when ready to serve
For more amazing seafood pasta inspo, check out my Creamy Tuscan Shrimp or classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
In Conclusion
There’s something so satisfying about a big bowl of creamy garlic shrimp pasta at the end of a long day. This recipe has been my go-to for family dinners, date nights at home, and even meal prep for busy weeks.
My dad, who’s super picky about pasta (he’s half Italian so you know how that goes), gave this his stamp of approval and even asked for the recipe! That’s when I knew I had to share it with you guys.
The best part about homemade creamy garlic shrimp pasta is that you can make it exactly how you like it – extra garlicky, super creamy, spicy, or loaded with veggies. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Give this recipe a try next time you’re craving something comforting yet impressive. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for company. And when someone asks for the recipe (trust me, they will), send them my way!