Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Shrimp Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl! Plump, juicy shrimp are quickly sautéed, then tossed with tender strands of fettuccine and coated in a lusciously rich Parmesan cream sauce, brightened with a splash of lemon and a flurry of fresh parsley. This is one of those restaurant-worthy dishes that comes together at home in less than 30 minutes, yet always feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, Creamy Shrimp Pasta is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though Creamy Shrimp Pasta tastes luxuriously decadent, it relies on just a handful of ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each element adds its own flavor and character, building layers of creamy, savory goodness with pops of freshness and color.

  • Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta (12 ounces): These wide noodles are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce—cook them just until al dente for the best texture.
  • Large Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The starring protein—look for plump, fresh shrimp for the sweetest flavor and best presentation.
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Gives the shrimp a restaurant-quality sear and a delicate fruity note.
  • Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and creates a silky foundation for the cream sauce.
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides irresistible aroma and savory depth; don’t skimp on this key ingredient.
  • Heavy Cream (1 cup): The secret to that luxuriously thick, dreamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
  • Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty complexity—use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
  • Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and highlights all the savory flavors.
  • Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brings a gentle warmth to the dish.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick of heat—completely optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a little spice.
  • Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and a fresh zing that wakes up the creamy sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a vibrant, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside—it’s important that your noodles aren’t overcooked, so they can soak up all that sauce later on without getting mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking, then season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the shrimp are rosy pink and just cooked through. Don’t overcook—they’ll continue to cook a bit in the sauce. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside for now.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—you want those browned bits for extra flavor), melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Carefully pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any bits stuck to the skillet, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Shrimp with the Sauce

Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp back to the skillet, tossing and folding with tongs until everything is beautifully coated in that glossy cream sauce. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, which instantly brightens and balances every bite. Sprinkle over the chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve your Creamy Shrimp Pasta hot, straight from the skillet.

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Creamy Shrimp Pasta generously with extra chopped parsley and a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan for an eye-catching finish. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top adds another layer of brightness that really brings out the flavors. If you love a touch of heat, a light scattering of red pepper flakes works perfectly here, too.

Side Dishes

This pasta is indulgent enough to stand on its own, but for an even more impressive spread, serve alongside simple sides. Think crisp green salads tossed with a lemony vinaigrette, a basket of warm, crusty bread for soaking up any leftover sauce, or some olive oil roasted vegetables to add extra color and nutrition to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant occasion, try twirling portions of the Creamy Shrimp Pasta into mounds using kitchen tongs, and nestling two or three shrimp on top of each for a restaurant-style presentation. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few thin shavings of Parmesan make it look extra special. You could also serve this dish family-style, right from the skillet, for a more casual and cozy vibe at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Creamy Shrimp Pasta left over, transfer it promptly to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but the flavors only get more delicious. Just make sure not to let it sit out too long at room temperature, as seafood is best kept chilled.

Freezing

Because the sauce is cream-based, freezing can sometimes affect its texture. While Creamy Shrimp Pasta can technically be frozen for up to 1 month, the sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed. If you do choose to freeze it, let it cool completely first and store in a tightly sealed container. The shrimp can also become a bit rubbery after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

To reheat, place your pasta in a skillet or saucepan over low heat and add a splash of cream or a few tablespoons of milk to loosen up the sauce. Warm gently, stirring often, just until heated through—avoid letting it come to a boil, which can make the sauce break. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave at medium power, giving it a good stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This way, they’ll sear perfectly and won’t water down your sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter dish, half-and-half is a great substitute for heavy cream and will still give you a deliciously creamy sauce, though it may not be quite as thick or rich.

How can I make this Creamy Shrimp Pasta gluten free?

Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free fettuccine or linguine—most large grocery stores now offer great gluten-free pasta options that work beautifully in this dish.

What else can I add for variety?

Sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or even a handful of peas or roasted red peppers are all delicious add-ins that bring extra color, flavor, and nutrition to Creamy Shrimp Pasta. Feel free to get creative with your favorites!

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp cook very quickly and are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough, so keep a close eye and pull them from the heat as soon as they’re just cooked through.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Shrimp Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again—quick enough for a weeknight, but special enough for guests. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to comfort food! Give it a try and savor every creamy, lemony, shrimp-studded forkful—you truly can’t go wrong with this timeless favorite.

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Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in a decadent yet simple-to-make Creamy Shrimp Pasta that’s bound to become a family favorite. Tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce come together in this delightful dish.


Ingredients

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta

Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, cook shrimp in olive oil over medium-high heat until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  4. Combine and Serve: Add pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss to coat. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

  • You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Enhance the dish with sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.

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