Go Back
For this creamy shrimp pasta, you need: - 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Each ingredient plays a role. The pasta forms the base, while shrimp brings protein. Butter and garlic add richness and flavor. The heavy cream creates creaminess, and Parmesan adds a salty touch. Lemon juice brightens the dish, and paprika gives warmth. Finally, parsley adds color and freshness. You can easily swap some ingredients. Try these options: - Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. - Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein. - Instead of butter, you can use olive oil. - For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. - Nutritional yeast can work in place of Parmesan for a vegan option. These substitutions keep the dish tasty and help fit your needs or diet. Pair this dish with: - A crisp green salad for a fresh contrast. - Garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. - A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well. - For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon. These pairings enhance the dining experience and round out your meal. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide linked above! First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add salt to the water to enhance the pasta's taste. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, or firm to the bite. When cooked, drain the pasta but save a cup of the pasta water. This water helps later on. Now, let’s cook the shrimp. Use a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir it for about 1 minute. You want the garlic fragrant, but not brown. Next, raise the heat to medium-high and add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it continuously. When the cream starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Then add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir until everything combines and becomes smooth. The sauce should be rich and creamy, perfect for our pasta. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Add a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for color and flavor. This makes the dish look beautiful and adds a fresh taste. Serve the creamy shrimp pasta hot, and enjoy every bite! For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. To get the perfect cream sauce, start with heavy cream. Heat it gently; don’t let it boil. Stir in Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps it melt well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of pasta water. This makes it silky and rich. Always taste before serving. Adjust with salt or pepper as needed. Cooking shrimp is simple, but a few mistakes can happen. First, don’t overcook the shrimp. They should turn pink and opaque in just 2-3 minutes. If they stay in the heat too long, they become rubbery. Also, make sure to season well. Use salt and paprika to bring out their flavor. Always remove them from the pan when done to stop the cooking. Making this dish ahead of time is easy. You can cook the pasta and shrimp in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, heat the cream sauce and combine everything again. Add a splash of pasta water to keep the sauce creamy. This way, you enjoy a fresh meal with less effort. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_2}} You can make your creamy shrimp pasta even better by adding vegetables. Spinach works great. Just toss in a handful when the shrimp is almost done cooking. The heat will wilt the spinach nicely. Mushrooms are another tasty choice. Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic before adding the shrimp. They add a rich flavor and great texture. While fettuccine or spaghetti shines in this dish, you can try other pasta types. Penne or rigatoni can hold sauce well. If you want a lighter meal, opt for zucchini noodles. They add a fresh taste and make the dish gluten-free. Just sauté your zucchini noodles briefly before mixing them in. For some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into your dish. Add them while cooking the shrimp for an even blend. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. This small change brings out a new flavor. It adds excitement without overpowering the creamy goodness. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta ! To keep your creamy shrimp pasta fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it is sealed tightly to avoid drying out. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove. Add a splash of water or cream to help it warm evenly. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave, but heat it in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overheating. You can freeze creamy shrimp pasta, but it may change texture. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Use it within two months for the best taste. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above for the best results. For the full recipe, check out the detailed guide on making this delicious dish. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This will help them thaw quickly. After thawing, drain and pat dry. This way, they will cook evenly. To make the sauce dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream. You can also use cashew cream for a rich flavor. Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This gives a nice creamy texture without dairy. Fettuccine is great for creamy sauces, but you can also use spaghetti. Both types hold the sauce well. If you want a twist, try penne or even gluten-free pasta. Choose what you enjoy! You can add more flavor by using fresh herbs. Basil or dill works well. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. You can also use lemon zest for brightness. Add these while making the cream sauce for the best flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. This blog post covered what you need for a great creamy shrimp pasta. We looked at key ingredients, smart substitutions, and tasty pairings. You learned step-by-step how to cook pasta, shrimp, and the perfect cream sauce. I also shared tips for making the sauce just right and avoiding common mistakes. You can add veggies or spice it up with red pepper flakes for a twist. Lastly, I provided storage tips for your leftovers. Enjoy making this dish and feel free to explore your own variations!

Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Impress your guests with this Creamy Shrimp Pasta that's both simple and utterly delightful! This easy-to-follow recipe teaches you how to create a luscious cream sauce, perfectly sauté shrimp, and dish it up like a pro. It's perfect for any occasion and can be customized to fit your preferences. Dive into the world of flavor and comfort with this delicious meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant; do not let it brown.

      Add Shrimp: Increase heat to medium-high, add the shrimp, and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

        Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add heavy cream, stirring continuously. Once it starts to simmer, reduce heat to low and add the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, mixing until combined and smooth.

          Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

            Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4