There’s something magical about the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter — it fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Add tender shrimp, a silky cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, and you’ve got a dish that feels straight out of a restaurant — but made right in your own home. This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is one of those recipes that’s elegant enough for date night, yet simple enough for busy weeknights.
You’ll love how the flavors come together: buttery garlic sauce, juicy shrimp, and pasta coated in rich cream. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly quick to make — ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into how you can make this comforting meal with ease. If you love rich pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for another comforting dinner idea.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special. Here’s why this dish might just become your new favorite go-to dinner:
- Quick & easy: It’s ready in half an hour, start to finish.
- Comfort food at its best: Creamy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned.
- Restaurant quality: A dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
- Customizable: Works with your favorite pasta or added veggies.
- Perfect for any occasion: Weeknight dinner or romantic date night — it fits both.
With every bite, you get that perfect mix of rich cream, fresh garlic, and shrimp that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this creamy garlic shrimp pasta.
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
- Water and salt for boiling
Tip: For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half. You can also use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water — it’ll help you adjust the sauce later.
Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds — just until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently as the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy base.
Combine Everything
Add the shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Finish with lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors in every forkful.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Even simple dishes can shine with a few expert touches:
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp — they only need a few minutes.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
- Add a splash of pasta water to make the sauce silky and glossy.
- Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and velvety.
Delicious Variations You Can Try
Want to make this dish your own? Here are some fun variations:
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Increase lemon juice and zest for a citrusy twist. For a similar citrusy flavor combo, try my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine — it’s another creamy, garlicky favorite.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Season the shrimp with Cajun spice before searing for a smoky, bold flavor.
Lightened-Up Version
Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Veggie Add-Ins
Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and color.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that enhance its rich flavors:
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
- Green salad: Adds freshness and crunch. For a little extra flavor on the side, serve it with my Honey Garlic Chicken Bites — they’re quick, juicy, and pair perfectly with creamy pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: Try asparagus or broccoli for balance.
- White wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements it perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended — cream sauces can separate after thawing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best creamy shrimp pasta every time:
- Overcooking shrimp: They turn rubbery if left too long.
- Using low-fat cream: It can curdle when heated.
- Skipping pasta water: It helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Adding cheese too fast: Let the sauce cool slightly first to prevent clumping.
FAQs
Can I make creamy garlic shrimp pasta without cream?
Yes! Use milk thickened with a little flour or cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti hold the sauce perfectly.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Thaw and pat dry before cooking for best results.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegan cheese.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth and enhances the garlic flavor.
A Bowl of Creamy Comfort
When you take that first bite of creamy garlic shrimp pasta, you’ll understand why this dish never goes out of style. It’s rich yet balanced, quick yet elegant — a true comfort meal that fits any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a busy weekday meal, this recipe brings a restaurant experience to your home kitchen.
So grab your skillet, pour a glass of wine, and treat yourself to a meal that feels special every time. Once you make it, it’ll become a permanent part of your dinner rotation. For another creamy comfort meal, check out my Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika optional
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine linguine, or spaghetti
- Water and salt for boiling
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Everything:
- Add the shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
Finish and Serve:
- Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon on top.
