25-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This 25-minute creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a delicious and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp and a rich, garlicky sauce come together with your choice of pasta for a satisfying dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on or tail-off)
• 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: 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 pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
6. Step 6: Stir in the cooked shrimp, making sure everything is evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, and serve immediately. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for brightness.

Tips & Variations

• Use tail-on shrimp for extra flavor and a nicer presentation, or tail-off for easier eating.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking the garlic for extra heat.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich and creamy.
• Freshly grated parmesan melts better and enhances the sauce’s flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and drain the shrimp before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What pasta works best with this creamy garlic shrimp sauce?

Spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine all work well. Choose a shape that holds the sauce nicely for the best flavor in every bite.

25-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 110 reviews

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.

• Author: Tim
• 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 1x2x3x

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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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