Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce is a decadent and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat. Juicy, tender shrimp are paired with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a meal that’s as comforting as it is elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Restaurant-Quality: Impress your family or guests with a gourmet-style dish.
- Rich and Flavorful: Creamy sauce with a hint of garlic and Parmesan complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with different herbs, spices, or pasta.
- Perfect Balance: Combines protein, carbs, and a luscious sauce in one dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spaghetti
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Lemon juice
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Directions
- Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Sauté the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked spaghetti. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish the Dish
- Stir in lemon juice for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Skip the cream and make a garlic butter sauce for a lighter option.
- Tomato Cream Sauce: Add a splash of marinara or tomato paste for a blush sauce.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, or dill for added flavor.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for a nutritious boost.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole wheat pasta for a lighter version.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair also work well.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine can add depth to the flavor. Add it after the garlic and let it reduce slightly before adding cream.
How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. They only need 2–3 minutes per side.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
What type of Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor and texture for the sauce.
Can I substitute the cream?
You can use coconut milk for a dairy-free option, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and sauce ingredients in advance for quicker cooking.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad and garlic bread pair wonderfully with this pasta.
Conclusion
Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce is an elegant and delicious dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in no time. Customize it with your favorite flavors and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
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Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This dish combines tender spaghetti with succulent shrimp in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. It’s a quick, elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti
- Water and salt (for boiling)
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti:
- Boil the Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic and Add Wine:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the Sauce:
- Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency of the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Combine and Serve:
- Toss with Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach to the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half cream and half milk.
- The white wine can be omitted or replaced with chicken broth.