Garlic Shrimp Pasta
by

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine (or linguine, spaghetti, penne)
  • Salt, for pasta water

For the shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the creamy garlic sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan
  • Lemon wedges (optional but 🔥)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente.
    Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season & sear the shrimp
    Toss shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked.
    Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Build the garlic cream sauce
    Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet.
    Once melted, add garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds (don’t brown it).
  4. Make it creamy
    Pour in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
    Simmer gently 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
    Stir in Parmesan until smooth and velvety.
  5. Bring it together
    Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
    Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed.
    Return shrimp to the pan and gently toss everything together.
  6. Finish & serve
    Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
    Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Flavor

  • 🔥 Don’t overcook shrimp — pull them as soon as they turn pink
  • 🧀 Use freshly grated Parmesan (pre-shredded won’t melt right)
  • 🍋 Lemon brightens the cream and makes the garlic pop
  • 🌶️ Want heat? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning

Easy Variations

  • Add veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms
  • Make it lighter: Swap half the cream for half-and-half
  • Protein swap: Scallops or grilled chicken work beautifully
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta—same steps