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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta will quickly become your weeknight favorite. Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce combine to create a comforting dish with a touch of elegance.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth or pasta water
  • 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz (225g) pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.
  3. Add the 1 lb (450g) shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream and 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth. Stir in 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently until it slightly thickens.
  6. Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated with the creamy garlic sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  7. Finish by sprinkling 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a versatile recipe that adapts to your pantry and dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk in place of heavy cream and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast. The reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce’s consistency and ensuring it clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.