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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
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This dish is everything you could want in a pasta dinner — rich, flavorful, and satisfying. The shrimp are perfectly seasoned, the sauce is creamy and garlicky without being too heavy, and the pasta ties everything together for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal made right at home. Best of all, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and only uses one pan for the shrimp and sauce, making cleanup quick and easy.

Ingredients

Scale

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 black 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 fresh parsley, chopped

  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

Season shrimp in a bowl with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

4️⃣ Combine and Serve

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Return shrimp to the pan and gently toss to combine.
Serve at once, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the shrimp — they become chewy fast.

  • Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency.

  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than packaged shreds.

  • Want extra richness? Stir in 1 tbsp of butter at the end.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/creamy-garlic-shrimp-pasta/