Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich, indulgent weeknight meal featuring succulent sautéed shrimp tossed with linguine in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a touch of white wine, creating a perfect balance of flavors that come together in just 30 minutes. Garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish is ideal for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces long pasta (linguine or fettuccine), cooked al dente
Sauce
- 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)
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen, patted dry)
Seasonings & Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste or omit)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Thaw shrimp if frozen and pat them dry thoroughly. Mince the garlic cloves and measure out the pasta and sauce ingredients to have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water incrementally to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the red pepper flakes and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately while the dish is hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- To make this recipe lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
- If you do not have dry white wine, you can omit it and add a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough; remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Reserve pasta water is a great way to adjust sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- For dairy-free version, use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative and substitute cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, though flavor will vary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, Garlic Shrimp, Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Weeknight Dinner, Italian Pasta, Seafood Pasta
