Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces long pasta (linguine or fettuccine), cooked al dente; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option); 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio), optional; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (dairy-free alternative may vary in flavor); 1 pound shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen, patted dry); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste or omit); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Introduction

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and indulgent weeknight meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. This dish features tender shrimp tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce served over perfectly cooked linguine or fettuccine. It’s a comforting yet elegant dinner sure to become a favorite.

A white plate filled with creamy fettuccine pasta forms the base layer, its pale yellow noodles slightly visible beneath a thick smooth white cream sauce that covers most of the pasta. On top, plump pink shrimp are arranged evenly, each with visible grill marks and a slightly translucent texture. The shrimp are sprinkled with small green herb leaves and scattered coarse black pepper, adding texture and color contrast to the creamy surface. The dish sits on a white marbled texture background, enhancing the dish's fresh and inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces long pasta (linguine or fettuccine), cooked al dente
1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)

4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, optional)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (dairy-free alternative may vary in flavor)
1 pound shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen, patted dry)

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste or omit)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Thaw shrimp if frozen and pat dry. Mince the garlic and prepare all other ingredients so they are ready to use.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until reduced by half.
Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well with the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency with additional pasta water if necessary.

Step 7: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lactose-free cream alternative.
Omit the white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic version; simply add a splash of chicken broth instead.

Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference or leave them out for a milder taste.
Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. For best texture, avoid microwave reheating which can cause the shrimp to become rubbery.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate filled with creamy fettuccine pasta as the base layer, topped with a smooth, light yellow cream sauce covering the noodles in the middle and spreading slightly on the edges. On top, there are plump, pink shrimp pieces evenly placed, each showing a slight grill texture and some green herb bits scattered over the dish. The sauce has visible black pepper specks adding texture and contrast across the entire surface. This image is set on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese if I don’t have any?

You can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a similar savory flavor, though the texture and melt won’t be the same.