08/12/2026
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season both sides with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
6. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir well, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Bring the cream sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
8. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
9. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce becomes smooth, silky, and creamy. Add more pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly until every strand is coated with the creamy garlic sauce.
11. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss with the pasta for 1-2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to warm through and absorb some of the sauce.
12. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the rich sauce and balance the flavors.
13. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
14. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is creamy.
15. Spoon the shrimp generously over each serving and finish with a little extra Parmesan and parsley for a beautiful restaurant-style presentation.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 635 kcal | Servings: 4 servings