Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A Rich, Flavorful, and Satisfying Pasta Dinner

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a classic dish that combines succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. It is the ideal comfort food meal: simple to make, bursting with flavor, and ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you are making a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date night meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without complicated steps.

This pasta is well-loved for its luxurious creamy texture, savory garlic flavor, and tender shrimp that cook up juicy and delicious every time. The lemon adds brightness, the Parmesan adds depth, and the smoked paprika gives the shrimp a warm, bold kick that complements everything beautifully. Served with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, every bite feels indulgent and satisfying.

If you are searching for a seafood pasta dish that is both comforting and impressive, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta belongs in your weekly rotation. It only requires a handful of staple ingredients, comes together in a single pan after boiling the pasta, and leaves you with minimal cleanup. The flavors balance richness and freshness in a way that keeps you coming back for more.

This article will guide you step-by-step through making the best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, offer expert tips for success, provide variations based on your dietary needs, and help you properly store leftovers. With helpful advice at every stage, you will master this recipe with ease.

---

Why You Will Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

There are so many reasons to make this recipe regularly:

• Authentic restaurant-style flavor without the cost

• Quick 30-minute preparation from start to finish

• One-pan sauce for fast cooking and cleanup

• Creamy, garlicky sauce that hugs each noodle perfectly

• Naturally high in protein thanks to the shrimp

• Appealing to kids and adults alike

• Easy to customize to taste preferences

When you want something rich, hearty, and satisfying but still crave a fresh pop of seafood flavor, this dish hits the mark every time. The sauce’s balance between creaminess and brightness keeps the pasta from feeling overly heavy, making it perfect year-round.

---

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Below is everything you need to make this delicious dish at home. Be sure to check the full ingredient list and quantities on the recipe card below.

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 for heat)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• Extra Parmesan cheese

These simple ingredients work together beautifully. The shrimp bring protein and sweetness, the garlic cream sauce adds richness and depth, and the pasta ties everything together in the most comforting way.

---

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Follow these easy, step-by-step directions for perfect results every time.

Step 1: Cook the pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Season and cook the shrimp

1. In a bowl, combine shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the garlic cream sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes.

5. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine pasta and shrimp with sauce

1. Add cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to coat.

2. Add pasta water gradually if the sauce needs thinning.

3. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently.

Step 5: Serve

Divide into plates and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

---

Recipe Details

• Yield: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

---

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

For a flawless result, keep these essential tips in mind:

• Do not overcook the shrimp: Once shrimp turn pink and opaque, remove them immediately.

• Reserve pasta water: It helps emulsify the sauce and ensures perfect creamy consistency.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and blends smoothly into the cream sauce.

• Salt in layers: Season the pasta water and taste the sauce before adding final seasoning.

• Stir constantly when adding cheese: Prevents clumping and keeps sauce silky.

A well-balanced Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta should be rich without feeling too heavy. These techniques ensure that every bite tastes perfect.

---

Pasta Choices and Substitutions

This recipe works well with many pasta shapes. Consider these alternatives:

• Fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti (best for creamy sauces)

• Penne or rigatoni for chunkier textures

• Gluten-free pasta for dietary needs

• Fresh pasta for an extra luxurious experience

You can also switch up the protein:

• Chicken breast strips

• Scallops

• Salmon chunks

Or keep it vegetarian by replacing shrimp with:

• Mushrooms

• Roasted cherry tomatoes

• Spinach and artichokes

---

Flavor Variations

Customize your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with these exciting options:

• Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce

• Use white wine for a deeper flavor

• Increase lemon for a brighter, fresh finish

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers

• Use basil or chives in place of parsley

For spice lovers:

• Increase red pepper flakes to desired heat

---

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This pasta is satisfying on its own, but great side dishes elevate the meal:

• Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread

• Caesar salad or mixed greens

• Roasted asparagus or broccoli

• Caprese salad for a fresh Italian pairing

These additions round out the meal without overpowering the pasta’s flavor.

---

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Creamy pasta dishes can be stored and reheated, but some care is needed to maintain the sauce’s texture.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container

• Refrigerate up to 3 days

Reheat:

• Use low heat in a skillet

• Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to revive the sauce

• Stir gently until warmed through

Avoid microwaving on high, which can overcook shrimp and separate the sauce.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw, pat dry, and follow the same steps.

Can I replace heavy cream?
Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk works, but the sauce will be thinner.

Why did my sauce separate?
Too much heat can cause dairy to break. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.

Can I add white wine?
Absolutely. Replace a few tablespoons of cream with dry white wine for deeper flavor.

Print

Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: 580

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fiber: 2g

Values may vary based on ingredients used.

---

Final Thoughts

If you are craving a pasta dish that tastes both gourmet and satisfying, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your new go-to recipe. It has everything a comforting pasta dinner should offer: a rich and creamy sauce, well-seasoned shrimp full of flavor, and pasta that absorbs that sauce in every twirl.

This dish proves that luxurious meals do not require endless prep or advanced cooking techniques. With fresh garlic, quality Parmesan, and just the right amount of cream, you can create a pasta dinner that is rich but not too heavy, flavorful yet balanced, and incredibly satisfying.

The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to your preferences — add vegetables, increase the heat, change the pasta shape, or use extra lemon brightness. Make it exactly how you love it.

Whether you serve this to family, guests, or simply treat yourself after a long day, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta never disappoints. Add this to your regular meal plan, and it will quickly become one of the most requested dinners in your kitchen.