Creamy Seafood Magic: Silky Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy sauce and succulent garlic shrimp pasta dance together in a culinary symphony that promises pure comfort.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this simple yet elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

Mediterranean influences shine through in every bite of this protein-packed meal.

The shrimp sizzle with robust garlic notes, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the entire space.

Tender pasta strands wrap around plump, perfectly seasoned shrimp, delivering a harmonious blend of textures.

Fresh herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese elevate this classic recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this delectable pasta that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation for this creamy seafood dish, selecting a shape like linguine or fettuccine that captures sauce beautifully.

• Shrimp, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Succulent seafood protein enhanced with smoky and aromatic spices for deep, layered flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Red Pepper Flakes: Silky sauce ingredients that create luxurious, velvety texture with bright, tangy undertones and subtle heat. Choose fresh garlic for most intense flavor, and opt for high-quality Parmesan for rich, nutty notes.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds vibrant color and fresh herbaceous brightness to finish the dish with elegant simplicity.

Tools For Making Garlic Shrimp Pasta Easily

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with salted water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking shrimp and creating creamy sauce.
• Medium bowl: Used for seasoning shrimp with spices.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and parsley.
• Sharp knife: Helps mince garlic and chop fresh parsley.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and tossing pasta.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for precise seasoning.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked pasta.

Step By Step Instructions For Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water until tender. Keep some pasta water on standby for later magic.

• Spice Up the Seafood

Season shrimp with zesty spices. Sizzle them quickly in a hot pan until they turn beautiful pink.

• Craft Silky Sauce

Melt butter and dance minced garlic around the skillet. Pour in creamy goodness and sprinkle Parmesan until sauce becomes luxuriously smooth. Splash in a hint of lemon for brightness.

• Marry Pasta and Protein

Toss pasta into the dreamy sauce, ensuring every strand gets coated. Gently fold in those succulent shrimp. If sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water.

• Create a Gorgeous Plate

Slide pasta onto dishes. Shower with fresh herbs and extra cheese. Serve immediately while everything is hot and inviting.

Sauce Tips For Garlic Shrimp Pasta Perfection

• Fresh Garlic Mastery: Use freshly minced garlic for maximum flavor intensity and avoid pre-chopped versions that lack aromatic punch.
• Seafood Selection Tip: Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for consistent cooking and best texture in this creamy pasta dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lactose-free version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference – use a pinch for mild warmth or increase for those loving extra kick in their pasta.
• Quick Weeknight Hack: Prep ingredients beforehand and store in refrigerator to reduce actual cooking time to under 20 minutes, making this gourmet meal super convenient for busy evenings.

Serving Ideas For Garlic Shrimp Pasta Dishes

• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair this creamy garlic shrimp pasta with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the delicate seafood flavors.
• Fresh Herbal Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, chives, or basil on top for a vibrant green color and added fresh herb notes that complement the rich sauce.
• Crunchy Side Kick: Serve alongside garlic bread, toasted ciabatta slices, or a quick mixed green salad to provide a contrasting texture and lighten the creamy dish.
• Protein Power Up: For heartier appetites, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed scallops alongside the shrimp to increase the protein content and create a more substantial meal.

Storage Methods For Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 34 days. Separate shrimp and sauce to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy pasta.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm portions gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir carefully to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.
• Freezing Wisdom: Freeze sauce separately from pasta and shrimp in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to preserve flavors and prevent sauce separation.
• Portion Control Magic: Divide remaining pasta into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents to track freshness and simplify meal planning during busy weeks.

Silky Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired creamy garlic shrimp pasta brings coastal Italian flavors to your dinner table. Silky noodles combine with succulent shrimp and rich garlic sauce for a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt (for boiling water)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking water before draining.
2. Shrimp Seasoning and Searing: Thoroughly coat shrimp with spice blend and season. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over high heat. Quickly sear shrimp until they turn pink and translucent, roughly two minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and allow to simmer gently. Blend in grated parmesan and red pepper flakes, stirring until sauce reaches a smooth, luxurious consistency.
4. Combining Elements: Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating. If sauce appears too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve ideal texture. Gently reintroduce seared shrimp to the pasta mixture, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Serving: Transfer the creamy garlic shrimp pasta to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional parmesan shavings. Serve immediately while piping hot and at peak flavor.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose al dente pasta by testing texture 1 minute before package instructions, ensuring a slight resistance when biting.
• Shrimp Selection: Pick fresh, deveined shrimp with firm, translucent appearance; avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture by watching color change carefully.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Reserve pasta water as secret weapon for adjusting sauce thickness; starchy liquid helps bind ingredients and creates silky, smooth texture.
• Flavor Boosting Technique: Toast garlic briefly to enhance aromatic profile without burning, releasing nutty undertones that elevate overall dish complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg