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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick yet impressive dinner option that combines tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta in a velvety garlic cream sauce. The dish is elevated by freshly grated Parmesan and a hint of red pepper flakes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or unexpected guest visits.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate to prevent overcooking.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth (or reserved pasta water). Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until each strand is evenly coated with the velvety sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of additional pasta water and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  6. Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large pasta bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is very versatile—if you don’t have shrimp, you can substitute with chicken, scallops, or even salmon. For a dairy-free twist, coconut cream works nicely in place of heavy cream, though the flavor profile changes slightly. The dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. For an extra burst of flavor, consider a splash of white wine or a handful of spinach during cooking.