Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re ready for a pasta night that feels indulgent but is totally doable on a weeknight, you have to try this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Tender linguine swirled in a rich, silky parmesan sauce, loaded with juicy, paprika-kissed shrimp and the unmistakable aroma of fresh garlic—this dish is one part fancy restaurant, one part pure comfort food, and one hundred percent irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is key with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta—the magic happens when a handful of quality ingredients come together just right. Each one has a crucial role, from building savory depth to lending the sauce its signature silkiness and color.

• Peeled, deveined shrimp (1–2 pounds): Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the juiciest bite; larger shrimp give that restaurant vibe, but any size works.
• Smoked paprika: Infuses the shrimp with subtle smokiness and amps up their beautiful pink color—you can use regular paprika if that’s what you have.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the shrimp and the creamy sauce layers.
• Linguine or spaghetti (12 ounces): These long noodles are perfect for holding onto the luscious sauce; feel free to sub your favorite pasta shape.
• Butter + Olive oil: The combination lends richness while helping the shrimp get that perfect sear.
• Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced): The undeniable backbone of this pasta—a must for that bold, aromatic flavor.
• Milk or heavy cream (1.5 cups): Go for heavy cream for ultimate silkiness, or use milk (not skim!) plus a touch of cornstarch for a lighter, still-creamy finish.
• Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the sauce if you’re using milk; skip it for heavy cream unless you want an extra-thick result.
• Freshly shredded Parmesan (1 cup): Adds that salty, nutty, melty goodness; always shred your own for the smoothest sauce.
• Parsley and extra Parmesan (for garnish): Fresh parsley brightens everything up and a sprinkle of extra cheese is just… mandatory.

Variations

One of the best things about Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is how easy it is to make it your own. You can tweak the protein, sauce, or even the pasta to suit what you have on hand, or to align with your cravings and dietary needs.

• Swap the shrimp: Try this pasta with chunks of salmon, scallops, or even chicken for a different (but equally tasty) twist.
• Add a veggie punch: Stir in peas, spinach, sautéed zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for color and freshness.
• Go dairy-free: Use your favorite dairy-free milk and vegan parmesan, thickened with a bit of starch, for a lighter, plant-based take.
• Boost the spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use hot paprika for an extra kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Just sub in your favorite gluten-free pasta—everything else is already naturally GF.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this is the secret to getting a perfect golden edge and making sure your seasoning sticks. Toss them in a bowl with the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The color and smell already tell you something delicious is on the way!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine or spaghetti until just al dente. Before draining, scoop out a cup or two of the starchy pasta water—this “liquid gold” is your secret weapon for getting the sauce to the perfect consistency later on.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for about 30–45 seconds per side until they turn a gorgeous pink and curl up. Don’t overcook—they keep cooking after you take them out! Remove them to a plate; they’ll get cozy with the pasta shortly.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

With the same pan (extra flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly and give it just under a minute—it should turn fragrant, not brown. If you’re using milk, whisk it together with the cornstarch and pour it in; otherwise, go straight in with the heavy cream. Let it bubble and thicken for 1–2 minutes, then add salt, pepper, and all that gorgeous Parmesan, stirring until silky smooth.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp, Pasta, and Sauce

Add your cooked pasta straight into the pan with the sauce, using tongs to toss and coat every strand. Splash in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce glides and shimmers. Tumble in the cooked shrimp, toss again, and check for seasoning—add an extra sprinkle of salt or a twist of black pepper if you like. Top with a fresh handful of parsley, and more Parmesan is always welcome!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a refreshing pop of color and a subtle earthy note that balances the richness. For the finishing touch, grate extra Parmesan right over the top—the salty cheese snow is pure heaven against the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette makes a perfect fresh pairing, cutting through the sauce beautifully. Warm, crusty bread (or garlicky breadsticks for the true garlic lover) is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce—you won’t want to leave a drop behind.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner-party flourish, twirl the pasta into little nests with tongs, top each with a handful of shrimp, and finish with a flourish of parsley and lemon zest. Or, serve family-style from a big platter right in the middle of the table, inviting everyone to grab seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days, though the sauce will thicken as it chills.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated, but if you must freeze it, let the pasta cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best results—just note the texture might not be quite as silky as when fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of extra milk or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave, which can make the shrimp rubbery; a little patience goes a long way to keeping everything tender and luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to create a bowl of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta that brings people running to the table! It’s fast enough for an easy weeknight, fancy enough for a celebration, and packed with so much cozy, garlicky love. Give it a try, and don’t forget to top each plate with an extra flurry of cheese—because when it comes to comfort food, a little extra is always just right.

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