Name: Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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This Creamy Shrimp Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl—tender pasta twirled with juicy shrimp, all nestled in a luxuriously rich sauce. It’s the kind of meal that tastes restaurant-worthy but comes together easily at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or those special-feeling evenings, it’s a gorgeous blend of garlicky, lemony, and savory flavors that always leaves guests (and cooks) completely satisfied. If you’ve been looking for the ultimate creamy shrimp pasta, you’ve just found your new kitchen favorite!

Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Shrimp Pasta is how simple but absolutely essential each ingredient is—every single addition brings richness, depth, or brightness to the final dish. Let’s get to know what goes into making this pasta taste so irresistibly good.

Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta (8 ounces): The perfect base for catching all of that glorious, creamy sauce. Choose your favorite long pasta shape!
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the shrimp and helping all the flavors mingle beautifully.
Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined (1 pound): Shrimp is the star here—succulent, sweet, and quick to cook.
Garlic, Minced (3 cloves): This brings the irresistible aroma and backbone of flavor to the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little gentle warmth throughout their bite.
Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Adds acidity and depth; go with wine for a classic touch or broth if you prefer.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): The key to that silky, dreamy texture everyone craves.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty richness.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A hit of brightness to awaken all the flavors.
Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon): For shiny, smooth sauce and just a hint of indulgence.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essentials for rounding out the flavors and seasoning your pasta perfectly.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Not only beautiful, but it also adds pop and freshness to every forkful.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your fettuccine or linguine and give it an occasional stir—it should cook to that perfect al dente bite (usually about 10 minutes, but follow your package directions). Once it’s ready, reserve a splash of pasta water (just in case you want to loosen your sauce later), then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, grab your biggest skillet and heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in the shrimp, making sure they’re in a single layer so they cook evenly. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, just until they turn glorious pink and are opaque throughout. Take care not to overcook them—they’ll finish up later in the sauce. Remove the shrimp and keep them cozy on a plate.

Step 3: Build that Aromatic Base

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all those lovely shrimp flavors!), toss in your minced garlic and, if you like a little fire, red pepper flakes. Stir constantly and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic begins to smell incredible and golden (but not brown).

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth, using your spatula to scrape up any delicious bits stuck to the pan. Let the liquid bubble away for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate its flavor and meld everything together.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer (don’t let it boil—you want it lush, not separated). Sprinkle in all that grated Parmesan, stirring until it melts down and the sauce turns beautifully smooth. Add the lemon juice and unsalted butter, stirring to combine and thicken to a luscious finish.

Step 6: Finish and Toss

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and stir to coat them in that silky sauce. Add your drained pasta and toss everything together so the noodles are completely cloaked in creamy goodness. Taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed. If your sauce is a bit thick, a dash of reserved pasta water loosens it perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

For that final flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right over the top. A bright, garden-fresh contrast to the rich, creamy shrimp pasta, parsley also makes your plates look vibrant and inviting. For extra flair, you can grate a touch more Parmesan and even add a few lemon zest curls for brightness!

Side Dishes

Creamy Shrimp Pasta pairs like a dream with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette for balance, or go cozy with slices of garlicky toasted bread to soak up every drop of sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also make lovely accompaniments for extra color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, nestle the pasta into shallow bowls, then artfully arrange the shrimp on top. A drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or edible flowers can all add restaurant-style presentation to your homemade masterpiece—because why not treat yourself?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover creamy shrimp pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay delicious for up to two days. The sauce will thicken a bit as it sits, but it’s still wonderfully tasty when reheated.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze creamy shrimp pasta, the sauce may separate upon thawing because of the dairy. If you do want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to one month. For best results, try freezing just the sauce and shrimp, then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to restore the silky sauce texture. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in small increments, stirring between each until just hot. Avoid boiling, as this can make the shrimp tough and the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for creamy shrimp pasta?

Absolutely! Just make sure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking so they sear nicely and don’t water down the sauce.

Can I substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream?

Yes, you can swap in half-and-half for a lighter sauce—your sauce will be a bit less rich, but still delicious. Whole milk works in a pinch, though the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.

What type Main Course

Fettuccine and linguine are classic choices for holding onto this luscious sauce, but spaghetti or even penne can work well. The main thing is to use a shape that captures all the creamy goodness!

Can I make creamy shrimp pasta ahead of time?

You can prepare most of it in advance (the sauce and shrimp), then simply cook fresh pasta and toss before serving for the very best texture. If you do make the whole dish ahead, reheat gently with a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe remains the same.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a weeknight win or a dinner that feels a little bit special, Creamy Shrimp Pasta absolutely delivers. There’s just something magical about twirling up that glossy sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!

Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a decadent yet simple-to-make Creamy Shrimp Pasta that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce. This dish is sure to impress with its flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

Shrimp:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain.
Sear the Shrimp: Cook shrimp in olive oil until pink; set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, add wine/broth, cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and butter.
Combine: Return shrimp to skillet, add pasta, season, and toss.
Garnish and Serve: Finish with parsley before serving.