Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta combines succulent seafood with a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. The aromatic garlic and subtle heat from red pepper flakes create a restaurant'worthy dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this pasta never fails to impress.

I first made this dish when trying to recreate my favorite restaurant pasta at home. After several attempts perfecting the sauce'to'pasta ratio, my family now requests this creamy shrimp pasta at least twice a month. The look of pure satisfaction on their faces makes every effort worthwhile.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: Choose fresh when possible, with firm texture and mild ocean scent
• Linguine pasta: The flat noodles hold the creamy sauce beautifully
• Heavy cream: Creates that silky texture that makes this dish irresistible
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for best melting and flavor
• Garlic: The heart of the dish, providing aromatic depth
• Smoked paprika: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the shrimp
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for gentle heat that balances the richness
• Lemon juice: Brightens all flavors and cuts through the richness of the cream
• Fresh parsley: Provides color and fresh herbal notes to finish the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add enough salt to make it taste like seawater. This properly seasons the pasta from within. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water which will help thicken and emulsify our sauce later. Drain pasta but never rinse it—the starch helps the sauce adhere.

Season and Cook the Shrimp:

In a bowl, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until hot, then add olive oil. Place shrimp in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until they develop a slight golden color. Flip each shrimp and cook just until they turn fully pink and opaque, about 1 more minute. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so remove them from the pan as soon as they are done.

Create the Garlic Cream Base:

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, taking advantage of all those shrimp flavors left behind. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and slightly golden but not brown, as bitter notes develop quickly once garlic darkens too much.

Perfect the Cream Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, not a full boil. Reduce heat if needed and let it bubble gently for about 2 minutes to begin reducing. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese in small handfuls, stirring continuously until completely melted. The sauce will begin to thicken noticeably. Add red pepper flakes if using, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice which brightens the entire dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Combine Everything:

Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce, using tongs to toss and coat every strand. If the sauce seems too thick, add splashes of reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect silky consistency. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, folding them gently into the pasta to avoid breaking them. Allow everything to heat together for about a minute so the flavors can meld.

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The first time I served this dish at a family gathering, my seafood averse nephew took a reluctant bite and ended up having three servings. The combination of garlic and cream creates such a comforting backdrop for the sweet shrimp that it converts even the most stubborn skeptics. Now I always make extra when he visits.

Make-Ahead Options

This creamy shrimp pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Clean and season the shrimp up to 24 hours before cooking, storing them covered in the refrigerator. The cream sauce can be made several hours ahead and gently reheated before combining with freshly cooked pasta. If you need to store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

Perfect Pairings

This indulgent pasta begs for a crisp, acidic counterpoint to balance its richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes an ideal starter, while garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that precious sauce. For wine lovers, a chilled Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy garlic flavors without overwhelming the delicate shrimp. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon refreshes the palate between bites.

Customization Options

This versatile dish welcomes many variations while maintaining its luxurious character. Replace shrimp with pan-seared scallops or chunks of lobster for special occasions. For a vegetable boost, stir in blanched asparagus tips, sweet peas, or sautéed spinach just before serving. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the cream with unsalted chicken broth and add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to maintain richness. Gluten-intolerant diners can enjoy this with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative.

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Serve this creamy garlic shrimp pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and enjoy how simple ingredients create unforgettable flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Long pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work best as they hold the creamy sauce well. However, you could also use shorter shapes like penne or fusilli if preferred.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear properly rather than steam.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

To create a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream (though the sauce won't be quite as thick). You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan and add more pasta water to adjust the consistency.

→ What can I add to make this dish more filling?

Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or mushrooms. You can also include more protein options like sliced chicken breast or even scallops for an extra-special seafood pasta.

→ How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat medium-low when adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce. Also, make sure to take the pan off the heat before adding the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. If needed, you can cook the shrimp and make the sauce ahead of time, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.