Go Back
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Faiza Shabir

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is rich, silky, and packed with buttery garlic flavor in every bite. Juicy shrimp cook fast, and the creamy sauce comes together in one pan while the pasta boils. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but tastes like a restaurant meal. Add parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for that extra “wow.”
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pasta water reserved, as needed
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning optional
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet and cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side, then remove.
  4. Add remaining butter and garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it).
  5. Pour in heavy cream, stir, and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thick.
  6. Stir in parmesan until smooth, then loosen with pasta water if needed.
  7. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet and toss until coated.
  8. Finish with lemon juice, parsley, and extra parmesan, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp—pull them as soon as they turn pink and curled.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce (pre-shredded can clump).
  • Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an easy upgrade.
  • Store leftovers airtight up to 2 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk/cream.

DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE?

If you have, then share it with us by sending a photo. We’re excited to see what you’ve made:-)