Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta elevates simple ingredients into a decadent centerpiece. Plump, deveined shrimp are lightly seasoned and seared until just opaque, offering a delightful snap. Al dente pasta serves as the foundation, its porous surface ideally suited to cradle the velvety sauce. A mirepoix of shallots and garlic sweated in butter imparts depth and sweetness, while a splash of white wine (or bright lemon juice for a non-alcoholic twist) deglazes the pan, lifting every fonded flavor. Velvety heavy cream enriched with freshly grated Parmesan transforms into a sauce that coats each strand of pasta in creamy indulgence. Bright flecks of parsley and a final dusting of smoked paprika add color, aroma, and a hint of warmth. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes—tender shrimp, silky sauce, and toothsome pasta—perfect for special gatherings or elevating weeknight meals.

Preparation, Cook, and Total Times

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield & Cuisine

Yield: Serves 4 generously
Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion

A Full List of Ingredients

– 450 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 tsp sweet paprika, plus extra for garnish
– 1 shallot, finely diced (~50 g)
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, divided
– 200 g (7 oz) pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
– 1 tsp salt for pasta water
– 80 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine, or juice of ½ lemon
– 470 ml (2 cups) heavy cream
– 70 g (¾ cup) finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
– 1 handful (about 15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Boil Pasta
Bring 1.5 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon salt and the pasta. Stir occasionally and cook 1–2 minutes shy of package instructions so the pasta finishes cooking in the sauce. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.

Season and Sear Shrimp
While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 30 g (2 tbsp) butter and optional olive oil. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking 1–1½ minutes per side until just opaque. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Sauté Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. To the same skillet, add remaining 30 g butter. When melted, add diced shallot and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze Pan
Pour in wine or lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits for 1 minute. Allow liquid to reduce by half.

Build the Sauce
Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Incorporate Cheese
Remove pan from heat. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Return shrimp to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add drained pasta and toss gently to coat, warming shrimp through for 1 minute.

Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley. Transfer to serving plates or a warmed platter. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a dusting of paprika. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Garlic shrimp pasta traces its lineage to coastal Italian and Spanish traditions, where seafood meets simple pasta preparations. The American adaptation introduced heavy cream and Parmesan, creating the now-iconic Alfredo and seafood cream sauces. Its popularity soared in home kitchens and restaurants alike for its luxurious taste and straightforward technique, becoming a staple for date nights and family dinners.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

You’ll adore the silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, the tender shrimp bursting with flavor, and the vivid pop of parsley. It’s restaurant-quality yet simple enough for weeknights, with ingredients you likely already have. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute entertaining or treating yourself after a busy day.

Health Benefits

Shrimp provides lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine essential for thyroid health. Garlic offers immune-boosting allicin, while parsley supplies vitamins A, C, and K. Though rich, the sauce’s cream and cheese can be moderated or lightened with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad of arugula and cherry tomatoes dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Serve crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to mop up every drop of sauce. Complement with sautéed asparagus or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking shrimp makes it rubbery; remove from heat when just opaque. Boiling pasta too long leads to mushy texture—aim for al dente. If the cream boils vigorously, it can curdle—maintain a gentle simmer. Add cheese off heat to prevent graininess.

Pairing Recommendations

A dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the richness with bright acidity. A light lager or wheat beer refreshes the palate. For non-alcoholic, sparkling water with a lemon twist or iced green tea complements the flavors.

Cooking Tips

Use room-temperature shrimp for even searing. Always reserve pasta water—it’s starchy and improves sauce texture. Grate Parmesan fresh for better melt and flavor. If you skip wine, replace with broth plus a dash of lemon juice for brightness.

Variations to Try

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for color and nutrition. Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops, adjusting cooking times. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of heavy cream and Parmesan.

Similar Recipes to Try

Pasta Alfredo with Chicken Cajun Shrimp Linguine Lemon Butter Garlic Scallops Spaghetti Carbonara Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine

Ingredient Spotlight

Smoked paprika lends a subtle smokiness and vibrant red hue, enhancing the sauce’s depth without overwhelming heat. It complements garlic and cream beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can yield an unforgettable meal. With tender shrimp, a luxuriously creamy sauce, and easy preparation, it’s destined to become a favorite for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Embrace the flavors, gather around the table, and savor every bite.

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes—thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting? Keep the heat moderate and whisk in cheese off the heat.

What pasta shapes work best? Long strands like linguine or fettuccine, or short tubes like penne to catch the sauce.
How do I make it gluten-free? Substitute with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch slurry if thickening is needed.
My sauce is too thin—what can I do? Simmer a few minutes longer uncovered or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold water.

Can I prepare ahead? You can make the sauce and cook shrimp separately; reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or water.
Will the sauce thicken as it cools? Yes—it will set slightly; thin with pasta water or cream when reheating.

Can I add vegetables? Yes—stir in peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms when adding shrimp.
How do I adjust for spiciness? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing garlic.