Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender shrimp, a luscious garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.