If you are craving a dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a luscious, velvety sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta, then this Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is your next must-try meal. It brings together the richness of butter and cream, the sharpness of Parmesan, and just the right hint of garlic and spice, creating an unforgettable dinner that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight indulgence or a special occasion, this recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a few essential ingredients that harmonize beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the pasta’s chewy bite to the creamy sauce’s silky smoothness and the shrimp’s bright, succulent taste.
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta: Choose your favorite long pasta that will hold the sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, these add a sweet, briny pop to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base for cooking the shrimp without overpowering flavors.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds depth and creaminess, essential for that dreamy sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creaminess that unites the dish’s components with silky smoothness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: This sharp, nutty cheese enriches the sauce and balances the cream’s richness.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and slight heat to awaken the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that complements both shrimp and sauce beautifully.
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved): This starchy water helps adjust sauce consistency and improves coating on the pasta.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, bright note and a pop of color to finish the dish elegantly.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine or linguine until just al dente, according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s the secret weapon to a perfectly silky sauce that clings beautifully to every strand.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning before placing them in the pan. Cook them gently for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook; the shrimp should be juicy and tender. Once done, set them aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, but not browned. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and optionally, the red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens ever so slightly, becoming luscious and velvety.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat every noodle evenly. Now, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your preferred sauce consistency—smooth and clingy but not watery.
Step 5: Return the Shrimp and Finish
Finally, nestle the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and mix gently to combine without breaking them apart. The shrimp will warm through and absorb a touch of the creamy sauce. Your dish is now ready to shine.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe, a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley is perfect for adding that bright herbal freshness and a cheerful splash of green. You can also dust a little extra grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish that melts beautifully into the warm pasta.
Side Dishes
This rich, flavorful pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for added texture and color contrast. Garlic bread is another classic side that complements the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your creamy shrimp pasta in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the shrimp and sauce beautifully. Drizzle a little good quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top to brighten flavors and add a touch of gourmet flair. Fresh basil leaves or edible flowers can also bring a lovely visual appeal and fresh notes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind the pasta will absorb some sauce over time, so it may thicken when chilled. Stir in a splash of cream or milk before reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
Freezing
While the creamy shrimp pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions by separating the shrimp from the pasta and sauce. Freeze the sauce and pasta mixture in one container and the cooked shrimp in another to maintain texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a bit of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the delicate flavors and texture of the shrimp and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear perfectly and don’t become watery in the sauce.
What type of pasta works best for Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Fettuccine and linguine are ideal because their flat, wide shapes hold the creamy sauce so well, but you can also experiment with spaghetti or even penne if you prefer.
Can I make this dish dairy-free or lighter?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Use vegan butter or olive oil in place of butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
How spicy should I make it with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the creaminess without overpowering it, but feel free to adjust the amount to your personal heat preference or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
It can be! Prepare the pasta and sauce separately and store them properly. Add shrimp fresh when reheating for the best texture, or warm the entire dish gently if consuming within a day or two.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a dish that feels indulgent yet is so easy to prepare, and this Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe hits that sweet spot beautifully. It’s a perfect blend of rich, fresh, and savory flavors that come together in just about 30 minutes. I genuinely hope you’ll give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your quick favorites to impress family and friends over and over again.
Print
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This creamy shrimp pasta combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky Alfredo-style sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s an easy stovetop meal that balances a luscious cream sauce with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and set the pasta aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Return Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently mix them into the pasta and sauce mixture. Heat through for a minute.
- Serve: Serve the creamy shrimp pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best taste and creaminess.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tenderness.
