creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe
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The Best creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe

I’ve been making creamy garlic shrimp pasta for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I love how easy it is to make.

The combination of tender shrimp, rich garlic butter, and al dente pasta is just perfect. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites to make because it’s so simple and fun. We often serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – we can make it with chicken or beef if we prefer, or add some extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and not overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy.

I like to use fresh garlic from my garden whenever possible, as it gives the dish a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with store-bought garlic powder. This recipe has become a staple in our household because of its ease of preparation and delicious taste.

Whether we’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck dinner, creamy garlic shrimp pasta always gets rave reviews.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

4.5 from 1033 votes

A comforting dish featuring succulent shrimp, garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce. This pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy dinner with friends.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp salt

For the Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

For the Sauce

4 tbsp butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
6Be careful not to burn the garlic.
7Add shrimp to the skillet with the garlic.
8Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
10In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
11Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
12Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
13If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with some reserved pasta water.
14Add the cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
15Toss everything together until well coated.
16If needed, add more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
17Serve the creamy garlic shrimp pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Enjoy immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe is one that I always come back to when I need a reliable meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we can serve it as a main course or as part of a larger buffet spread. For special occasions like holidays or family gatherings, I love making this dish because it’s so impressive-looking without requiring too much fuss in the kitchen.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of pasta you like, but I find that long, thin noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine work best. If you prefer a shorter noodle, you can use penne or bowtie instead.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp if you prefer. Just thaw them according to the package instructions before using in the recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic butter from separating?

To prevent the garlic butter from separating, make sure to mix it well before adding it to the pasta. You can also try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to help bind the sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before adding the garlic butter and shrimp. However, I recommend making the garlic butter from scratch just before serving for the best flavor.

Q: What if I don’t have any heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk if you don’t have any on hand. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as intended.

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