Imagine indulging in a heavenly dish that feels both luxurious and comforting in every bite. That’s precisely what you’ll experience with this delightful Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Bursting with flavors from the richly seasoned shrimp to the decadent sauce, this recipe is destined to become your go-to favorite for a quick yet gourmet dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a midweek gourmet experience.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, creamy sauce, and well-seasoned shrimp makes every bite a flavorful adventure.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by swapping pasta types or adjusting spices.
- Restaurant Quality: Serve a dish that’s as delicious as anything you’d get dining out, right at your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is as easy as gathering a few simple but essential ingredients. Each plays a crucial role, from creating the creamy sauce to delivering the dish’s signature flavor.
- Linguine Pasta: Ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce; however, feel free to use your favorite pasta.
- Large Raw Shrimp: Provides a hearty protein; ensuring they are peeled and deveined keeps prep simple.
- Garlic: Adds an essential aromatic base to the sauce – use fresh garlic for the best results.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding depth and richness.
Variations
One of the best things about this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is how adaptable it is. Feel free to customize it based on what you have at hand or dietary preferences!
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the dish a bit of a kick.
- Veggie Twist: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream for a lactose-free version.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente — about 10 minutes should do it! Don’t forget to save a bit of that starchy pasta water before you drain the rest.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil and a blend of spices like Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until they’re evenly coated. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the shrimp, giving each side about a minute to develop a delicious char. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Adjust with salt to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated. Return the shrimp to the skillet, allowing them to nestle into the pasta. For that final touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or extra parmesan on top before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Optimal Shrimp Searing: Ensure your shrimp are well-dried before adding to the skillet to achieve a perfect char.
- Sauce Consistency: Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness to your liking.
- Perfect Pasta Pairing: While linguine is fantastic, consider fettuccine or spaghetti for a different texture experience.
- Herbal Garnishes: Don’t shy away from adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an aromatic finish.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Garnishes
Top your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for that extra bite. A touch of zested lemon can also brighten the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a filling and satisfying meal. For a lighter option, a side of steamed asparagus or green beans complements the dish exquisitely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in rustic bowls with oversized forks to give your meal that cozy, bistro feel. Fancy up your dining experience by garnishing with edible flowers or stacked lemon wedges on the side of the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish is not the best candidate for freezing due to the cream sauce, which can separate. If you do freeze, consume it within a month and expect a slight texture alteration after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s lusciousness. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and overheating.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.
-
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Linguine works wonderfully, though you can use any pasta that can hold up to a creamy sauce like fettuccine or penne.
-
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more cajun or red pepper flakes during the cooking process or as a garnish for an extra kick.
-
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While you can cook the shrimp and prepare the sauce in advance, it’s best to toss the pasta and sauce together just before serving for that fresh taste and aroma.
Final Thoughts
Say goodbye to takeout and hello to this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta that delivers comfort and elegance in equal measure. Whip it up for a special occasion or when you just want to spoil yourself with a delectable home-cooked meal. I truly believe it will become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire!
Print
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring juicy shrimp coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, served over al dente linguine pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines aromatic garlic, tender shrimp, and a luscious creamy sauce for an indulgent culinary experience.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta or pasta of choice
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 1 minute per side until charred and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce loosens. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat fully. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- You can substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for variation.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.25 cups)
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 17 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 22 grams
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
