Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe (Easy Garlic Cream Sauce Dinner)
This creamy shrimp pasta is a rich and satisfying dish featuring tender shrimp tossed with pasta in a silky, flavorful cream sauce. Infused with garlic, herbs, and savory goodness, it’s the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for special dinners!
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic, then shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Combine Pasta: Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Finish Dish: Return shrimp to the pan. Toss gently until everything is coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or lemon zest. Serve immediately with garlic bread or salad.
Notes
- Use dry pasta cooked al dente for best texture.
- Shrimp cooks quickly—remove as soon as they turn pink.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Add spinach, peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Not ideal for freezing—cream sauces separate.