Irresistible Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy spaghetti with succulent shrimp sauce promises an elegant dinner that feels both luxurious and effortless.

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this delightful combination of tender seafood and silky pasta.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating something truly memorable.

Pasta lovers often search for that perfect balance between rich flavors and light textures.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy restaurant-quality dining without complicated techniques or extensive cooking time.

Professional chefs know simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals when combined thoughtfully.

Experience pure culinary magic with this delectable dish that turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making this irresistible seafood pasta that will surely impress everyone at the table.

Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce That Delivers Flavor

• Delivers elegant shrimp pasta without complicated techniques, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs.
• Adaptable recipe that works wonderfully for intimate date nights or casual family gatherings, pleasing multiple palates.
• Creates a rich, luxurious sauce that transforms basic ingredients into a decadent dining experience without extensive culinary skills.

What Goes Into Shrimp Spaghetti with Cream Sauce

• Spaghetti: The main base of the dish, provides a classic Italian pasta foundation that pairs perfectly with creamy seafood sauce.

• Shrimp: Tender and sweet protein that adds delicate ocean flavor, best when fresh or high-quality frozen with no added preservatives.

• Heavy Cream, Butter: Rich base that creates a luxurious, silky sauce texture with deep, comforting flavor.
• Garlic, Parsley: Aromatic herbs and seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile with fresh, bright notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish’s natural flavors.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps bind the sauce and adjust its consistency for perfect coating.

How to Cook Shrimp Spaghetti with Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Gently lower the spaghetti into the bubbling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta reaches a tender yet firm texture (al dente). Before draining, carefully scoop out a half cup of the starchy cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Sauté Shrimp

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Add olive oil to the hot skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and curl slightly, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create Cream Sauce

• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley (chopped)

Melt the butter and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss in the cooked spaghetti, using the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Give everything a final gentle stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the spaghetti and shrimp to serving plates. If desired, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the sauce is creamy.

Techniques for Great Shrimp and Spaghetti Dinners

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are firm and have a clean, ocean-like scent.
• Control Pasta Cooking: Watch spaghetti closely while boiling to achieve perfect al dente texture, which prevents mushiness and helps sauce cling better.
• Preserve Pasta Water: Always save some starchy pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silky, smooth sauce and can adjust consistency if needed.
• Balance Cream Sauce: Use a combination of heavy cream and a splash of white wine to create a rich yet balanced sauce that doesn’t feel too heavy.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust salt levels carefully since shrimp and pasta water already contain salt, preventing an overly salty final dish.

How to Keep Shrimp Pasta Fresh and Reheated Well

• Store leftover spaghetti with shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the pasta to reach room temperature before sealing the container to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Enjoy reheated spaghetti within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture, as seafood dishes tend to lose quality when stored for extended periods.

What Complements Shrimp Spaghetti with Cream Sauce

• Pair crisp Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty citrus notes to complement the creamy shrimp sauce, cutting through the richness beautifully.
• Choose a light-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak undertones that enhances the delicate shrimp flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and provide a peppery contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Add garlic-toasted ciabatta bread on the side to soak up the luxurious cream sauce and provide a satisfying textural element to the meal.

Seafood Pasta Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap traditional wheat spaghetti with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a vegetable-based, low-carbohydrate alternative that reduces calorie intake.
• Dairy-Free Cream Sauce: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of traditional dairy cream to create a lactose-free version suitable for those with dairy allergies.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with pan-seared tofu cubes or roasted chickpeas to provide a plant-based protein option for vegetarian diners.

Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti with succulent shrimp dances across Italian culinary traditions, offering pure comfort in one delightful plate. Garlic-infused sauce and tender seafood blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (300 g) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Water (for boiling)
• Salt (for pasta water)

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Carefully lower spaghetti into the bubbling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until perfectly tender yet firm to the bite.
3. Before draining, carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water, which will become a crucial element in creating a silky sauce later.
4. Drain the spaghetti in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water, and set aside.
5. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure optimal browning and seasoning absorption.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high, adding olive oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
7. Sauté shrimp quickly, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a succulent interior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Remove shrimp and set aside, keeping them warm to preserve their delicate texture.
9. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence without burning.
10. Pour in heavy cream, creating a luxurious base for the sauce, and stir continuously to prevent scorching.
11. Incorporate reserved pasta water to thin and enhance the sauce’s consistency and flavor profile.
12. Season the cream sauce with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like parsley or basil for added complexity.
13. Gently fold cooked spaghetti into the cream sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated.
14. Return shrimp to the skillet, nestling them among the pasta strands to reheat and meld flavors.
15. Serve immediately, garnishing with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped herbs for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Toast breadcrumbs lightly in a skillet for an extra crunch topping that adds delightful texture to the creamy sauce.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the most tender and flavorful result, avoiding frozen or previously thawed options when possible.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water gradually if the cream sauce becomes too thick, creating a silky smooth coating for the pasta.
• Consider using gluten-free spaghetti for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the entire dish remains accessible to those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg