🍝 Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta 🍤✨
Indulge in a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp with a luscious creamy garlic sauce, all served over perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. The blend of Parmesan cheese and butter makes this dish irresistible, while the garlic infuses every bite with rich flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti 🍝
1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
1½ tablespoons butter, divided 🧈
1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (double cream) 🥛
½ cup (40g) grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional: Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika 🌶️
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water to help create the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika (if using).
Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce, adding more pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine with the pasta and sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter for an extra creamy finish.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
With a Side Salad: Serve this creamy shrimp pasta alongside a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
With Garlic Bread: For the ultimate indulgence, pair this pasta with some crispy garlic bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce.
A Glass of White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay will complement the garlic and shrimp flavors beautifully.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta:
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests without the hassle.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of butter, cream, and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, making every bite creamy and flavorful.
Flavorful Shrimp: The shrimp are perfectly seasoned and sautéed to give them a delicious, slightly crispy edge, while staying tender on the inside.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Add some crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
Comfort Food: This creamy pasta dish is comfort food at its finest. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners at home.
🍽️ Tips for Success:
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They should be opaque and slightly curled when done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
Save Some Pasta Water: Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. The starchy water helps thicken the sauce and allows the sauce to cling better to the pasta.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little pasta water to loosen it. Start with a tablespoon at a time and stir until you achieve the right consistency.
Make It a Meal: If you want to make this a more filling dish, you can add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. They’ll add great texture and extra flavor.
Make it Gluten-Free: You can use gluten-free pasta if needed to make this recipe gluten-free. There are plenty of great gluten-free pasta options available now that will still taste delicious with this creamy sauce.
💡 Variations to Try:
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest to the sauce for a tangy, bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use cayenne pepper to spice up the sauce.
Shrimp and Bacon Pasta: Add crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor. The smokiness of the bacon complements the richness of the creamy sauce.
🥄 Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken after sitting, but you can thin it out by adding a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently over low heat in a skillet. Add a little cream or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy texture.
🍴 Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is everything you could want in a dish—rich, flavorful, and comforting, with tender shrimp and a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce. It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. With the option to tweak the seasoning or add some variations, you can make this recipe your own, no matter the occasion. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this delightful pasta dish tonight! 🍝🍤💫