25-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This 25-minute creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender shrimp are sautéed in butter and garlic, then combined with al dente pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes and lemon juice, this dish balances creamy, savory, and bright flavors effortlessly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on or tail-off)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- lemon juice, to taste
Sauce
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
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 ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the grated parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the cooked shrimp, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta and shrimp mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking; remove as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes and lemon juice to your taste preference for heat and acidity.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to pasta.
- This recipe works with various long pastas like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine based on preference.
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