If you’re craving a dish that’s both indulgent and effortless, this Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender shrimp meet a luscious, velvety sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that feel like a restaurant-quality meal cooked right at home. Each bite offers a comforting richness balanced by a hint of lemon brightness and fresh parsley, making it an absolute favorite to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this dish, and the beauty here is in its simplicity. Each component works together to create a melody of taste, texture, and color—from succulent shrimp and creamy sauce to al dente pasta and fresh herbs that brighten every forkful.
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta: Choose your favorite ribbon pasta that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp bring a sweet, tender seafood flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and perfect cooking medium for garlic and shrimp.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic base that makes every bite flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, giving richness and velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty depth that melts into the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Just enough to add a gentle kick if you like a touch of heat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color.
- Juice of half a lemon: Provides a bright, zesty finish that balances the richness perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. This foundation ensures your pasta has a slight bite and doesn’t get lost under the creamy sauce. Drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it just until it’s fragrant—about one minute—to release those irresistible aromas without burning it, which could make the sauce bitter. This step creates the flavor base that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes for a slight heat. Cook the shrimp 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink and become opaque. Remove them from the pan to keep the shrimp perfectly tender and ready to be reunited with the pasta.
Step 4: Make the creamy sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet, letting it come to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens slightly, picking up any leftover flavors from the shrimp and garlic for an extra layer of depth. This silky base is what transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Step 5: Add Parmesan cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. This cheese adds that signature savory richness that defines the Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe and ties all the delicious flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Combine pasta and shrimp
Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything so the noodles are thoroughly coated in that dreamy sauce. This step ensures every bite is packed with creamy goodness and tender shrimp goodness.
Step 7: Brighten with lemon and parsley
Just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten the dish with a pop of freshness and color. These final touches cut through the richness and make the flavors pop in the best possible way.
Step 8: Serve immediately
Dish up your pasta while it’s warm and inviting. Consider sprinkling a little extra Parmesan on top for an irresistible finishing touch that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds vibrancy to this dish, but you can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for an appealing look and a little extra flavor edge. A lemon wedge on the side invites diners to add a fresh squeeze of citrus if they want.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, which cuts the richness and provides a refreshing crunch. Garlic bread or crusty focaccia are also perfect companions, allowing you to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the shrimp and sauce. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as a garnish can elevate the presentation for dinner parties. Alternatively, layering the pasta in individual ramekins topped with a parmesan crisp makes for a fun and elegant serving style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Since the creamy sauce can thicken as it cools, a quick stir and gentle reheat will bring it back to silky perfection without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe leftovers, the texture of shrimp may change slightly after freezing. If you decide to freeze, place the pasta in a sealed container or freezer bag and use within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy shrimp pasta slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. A splash of cream or milk can help loosen the sauce if it seems too thick. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly without steaming and preserves their texture and flavor in the Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
What pasta works best for this creamy shrimp dish?
Ribbon pastas like fettuccine or linguine are ideal because their broad, flat shape holds the luscious sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and creaminess.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a mixture of cream and chicken broth for a lighter sauce. Just know that it may be less rich but still delicious, maintaining the heart of the Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus work wonderfully added either during the sauce-making step or tossed in at the end. They add freshness, color, and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The optional red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount to your preference or leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly a deliciously simple way to impress yourself and your loved ones with bold flavors and a rich, comforting texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it invites you to enjoy the delightful blend of seafood and creamy sauce with every scrumptious bite. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your go-to recipes to share again and again.
Print
Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy shrimp pasta is a quick and delicious dinner option featuring succulent sautéed shrimp tossed with fettuccine in a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce, enhanced by garlic, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Perfectly balanced with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken, stirring occasionally to combine the browned bits from the shrimp for extra flavor.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the cream, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten and elevate the flavors of the dish.
- Serve: Plate the creamy shrimp pasta immediately, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp that has been thawed for best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add a splash of white wine when simmering the cream for enhanced depth of flavor.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
