Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

• It comes together incredibly fast, making it ideal for busy evenings.

• The garlic‑butter and cream sauce delivers rich, indulgent flavor without being overly heavy.

• Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the silky sauce and pasta.

• The dish feels special—perfect for date nights or company—while remaining straightforward and approachable.

• With simple ingredients and minimal fuss, it’s both home‑friendly and restaurant‑worthy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 ounces (225 grams) linguine pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1½ tablespoons butter (divided)

• 1 pound (450 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (optional) or smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

• ½ cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

2. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter and add the olive oil. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper and the Old Bay (or seasoning of choice), and cook until the shrimp turn pink (do this in batches if needed). Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and deglaze the pan with the spatula.

4. Add the Parmesan cheese and let it melt; then add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and allow to simmer for about a minute. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

5. Toss the drained pasta in the sauce until well coated. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently reheat with the pasta and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 normal servings (or about 3 generously sized servings).

• Cook time: 15 minutes.

• Total time: 15 minutes.

Variations

• Swap linguine for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even a gluten‑free pasta for dietary needs.

• Use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream if you want a slightly lighter sauce (though it will be thinner).

• Replace the Parmesan with pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

• Add a splash of white wine when deglazing for extra depth.

• Include vegetables such as peas, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

• For a bit of heat, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

• If you prefer a dairy‑free version, substitute cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative (note: the flavor profile will shift).

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low‑medium heat, adding a splash of water (or extra cream) to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave, stirring halfway and adding a little liquid to keep the sauce smooth.

• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this creamy shrimp pasta, as the texture of the sauce and shrimp may degrade.

FAQs

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout, with the tails curled in slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become rubbery.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — you can use frozen shrimp, but it’s best to thaw and pat them dry before cooking so they sear properly rather than steaming and releasing excess water.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and sauce ahead, but it’s best to hold off adding the shrimp until just before serving to ensure they stay juicy and tender.

What pasta type works best?

Long strands like linguine or fettuccine work beautifully because the sauce clings to them nicely. You can also use spaghetti or any pasta you have on hand.

Is heavy cream necessary?

Heavy cream gives the sauce its silky, rich texture. You can substitute with half‑and‑half, but the sauce will be thinner and may take a bit longer to thicken.

Can I reduce the fat or calories?

Yes — you could use less butter and switch to half‑and‑half or a lighter cream. You might also add more vegetables and use a smaller portion of pasta.

What if I don’t have Old Bay or smoked paprika?

No problem — you can simply omit the seasoning or use a basic Cajun spice blend or even just reserve salt and pepper. The garlic butter sauce and Parmesan will still deliver plenty of flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely — stir in cooked peas, baby spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture, color and nutrition.

Is this dish suitable for a romantic dinner?

Yes — it looks elegant, tastes indulgent, yet takes very little time. Pair with a simple side salad and a crusty bread, and you’ve got a beautiful meal.

What side dishes go well with it?

A crisp side salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, and some warm breadsticks or garlic bread to soak up the sauce all work wonderfully.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a perfect blend of ease and elegance. With minimal ingredients and only 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like you spent far more effort than you actually did. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special‑occasion meal, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.