Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

The garlic fills the kitchen first—rich, warm, and comforting. It’s the kind of aroma that makes you feel right at home, pulling you into the moment as you start to toss the shrimp in that sizzling pan. The shrimp themselves, perfectly pink and just barely golden, absorb the garlic and butter, creating a delicate, savory base that’s going to make this dish unforgettable. And then, the pasta. Twirling it around your fork, the creamy sauce clings to each strand, each bite bursting with a soft richness that balances perfectly with the garlic’s punch.

What makes this dish so magical is that it’s simple, yet indulgent. The creaminess of the sauce coats the shrimp and pasta, but the subtle bite of freshly cracked black pepper and a hint of Parmesan bring it all together. You can’t help but smile as the flavors meld in the most delightful way, and the best part? You don’t need a fancy dinner party to enjoy this—it’s the kind of comfort food you make on a Wednesday night, for no other reason than it’s exactly what you need to brighten up your day.

The joy of this recipe is in the little details—the way the sauce thickens just enough to coat everything in velvety goodness, or how the heat of the shrimp meets the richness of the cream and the slight tang of the lemon. And let’s not forget the simple joy of sharing it with someone you love (or even keeping it all to yourself!). It’s the perfect dish when you want something delicious but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. So next time you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying, just head to the kitchen, put on some music, and let the creamy garlic shrimp pasta work its magic.

Key Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

To create the perfect balance of flavors in this dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Each one plays an important role, adding its own unique touch to make this meal both comforting and indulgent.

Pasta
The star of the dish! It’s the base that holds everything together. Choose your favorite pasta shape—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne—each one will work wonders with that creamy, garlicky sauce.

Olive oil
A little olive oil in the pan helps get things sizzling. It’s perfect for cooking the shrimp and garlic to just the right level of golden deliciousness, adding a subtle richness to the dish.

Shrimp, peeled and deveined
The shrimp are the highlight, soaking up the rich garlic butter sauce and adding a delicate, sweet flavor that complements the creamy sauce. They cook quickly, making them a perfect protein for this dish.

Garlic, minced
This is where the magic begins. Garlic adds a fragrant, savory kick that infuses every bite. It’s the aromatic backbone of this dish and gives it that irresistible, comforting flavor.

Heavy cream
The creamy base that brings everything together. It adds a luxurious richness to the sauce that coats both the pasta and shrimp beautifully, creating that decadent texture we all crave.

Chicken broth
This light broth adds depth and helps thin out the sauce just enough so it’s not too heavy, while still giving it the perfect savory foundation.

Grated Parmesan cheese
This cheese is the finishing touch. It adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the sauce, making it even more irresistible. Plus, it melts beautifully into the creamy mixture.

Salt
A pinch of salt elevates all the flavors, balancing out the richness of the cream and the sweetness of the shrimp. It’s essential for bringing everything into harmony.

Black pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat and a layer of complexity to the dish. It’s that little extra something that makes every bite a bit more exciting.

Red pepper flakes
Just a dash of red pepper flakes adds a hint of spice that cuts through the richness of the sauce. It’s not overpowering, but just enough to keep things interesting.

Butter
Butter is the magic ingredient for making the sauce velvety smooth. It combines with the garlic and cream to create a silky sauce that clings to every piece of shrimp and pasta.

Fresh parsley, chopped
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness of the dish. It’s like a breath of fresh air on top of all that indulgence.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial part in making this creamy garlic shrimp pasta the comforting, flavorful dish that’s bound to become a weeknight favorite!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

1. Pair with a Crisp Green Salad
The richness of the pasta calls for a light, fresh side. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the sauce, creating a perfect balance.

2. Serve with Warm, Crusty Bread
Don’t forget the bread! A loaf of warm, crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the leftover sauce at the bottom of your plate. The buttery, garlicky goodness just begs for a few swipes of that golden, toasted crust.

3. Add a Glass of White Wine
For an extra touch of indulgence, serve this creamy garlic shrimp pasta with a chilled glass of crisp white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would pair beautifully, enhancing the garlic and shrimp flavors while adding a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce.

How to Store Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a pretty great problem to have), storing creamy garlic shrimp pasta is simple, and there are a few ways to keep it fresh for later enjoyment.

First, let’s talk about the fridge. To keep the pasta in its best shape, allow it to cool down to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. The creamy sauce can thicken a bit as it cools, but when you reheat it, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that silky texture. Stored this way, your pasta will stay fresh for up to 2 days.

If you find yourself with a lot of leftovers and want to freeze them for later, that’s totally doable too! Transfer the cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop. You might need to add a little extra cream or broth to smooth out the sauce, but it’ll taste just as delicious as the first time around.

Lastly, when reheating, remember to go low and slow. Gently warm the pasta over medium heat, stirring often, so the shrimp stay tender and the sauce doesn’t separate. If you rush it in the microwave, you might lose that creamy magic! With these simple steps, your creamy garlic shrimp pasta can keep bringing the comfort, even days after it’s made.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Creamy garlic shrimp pasta, the kind of dish that wraps you up in comfort with each bite. It’s simple, indulgent, and packed with flavors that work together like a dream. Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or for a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe will always feel like a little slice of happiness on your plate.

I hope you give it a try and make it your own! There’s just something so magical about watching those shrimp sizzle, swirling the pasta through that creamy sauce, and finishing it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Trust me, it’s a dish worth savoring, and I bet it will become a favorite in your kitchen too.

If you try it out, I’d love to hear what you think! Do you have any twists on the recipe? Or maybe a new idea for what to pair it with? Leave a comment or shoot me a message anytime—let’s chat about food, flavors, and all the little things that make cooking so special. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich, velvety dish that combines succulent shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce. Each bite bursts with savory, buttery goodness, creating a comforting and irresistible flavor experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 8 ounces pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
5. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until pink, then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
6. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
7. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic.
8. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden brown.
9. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic.
10. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and continue to stir.
11. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
12. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the sauce.
13. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste.
14. Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
15. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce.
16. Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.
17. Toss the pasta and shrimp together to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
18. Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Note

• The pasta can be cooked al dente for the best texture and to avoid it becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.
• Make sure to cook the shrimp just until pink to avoid overcooking them and making them rubbery.
• For a richer flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.

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