why make this recipe
This dish cooks fast and looks fancy. It uses few ingredients and gives rich, creamy flavor. It works for weeknights or for guests. If you like quick seafood meals, you may also enjoy a similar recipe for creamy garlic butter shrimp with rice.
introduction
This pasta mixes tender shrimp with a smooth garlic cream sauce. The dish feels elegant but comes together in about 20 minutes. You only need basic pantry items and fresh shrimp. It is mild, creamy, and liked by many.
how to make Quick and Elegant Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Follow simple steps and keep heat medium so the sauce stays smooth. If you prefer a chicken version, see a clear guide to creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta for ideas on timing and sauce.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and sauce until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
how to serve Quick and Elegant Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Serve hot on warm plates. Add extra Parmesan on top and a squeeze of lemon if you like. A side salad or steamed vegetables make a nice light side.
how to store Quick and Elegant Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Cool to room temperature then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat or in a microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Quick and Elegant Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Do not overcook shrimp. They turn rubbery if cooked too long.
- Use medium heat so the cream does not break.
- Taste and add salt and pepper at the end.
- For a different protein, try swapping shrimp with steak following a guide like creamy garlic parmesan steak pasta.
variation (if any)
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Stir in roasted cherry tomatoes or spinach for color and freshness.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking. Cook the shrimp as in the directions.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can use dairy-free butter and a coconut cream substitute, but the taste will change.
Q: How long does this take to make?
A: About 20 minutes from start to finish if pasta water is ready.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can make the sauce and store it for a day, but cook shrimp fresh and toss with pasta when serving.
Conclusion
For another take on this flavor, see a similar tested recipe at Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Little Sunny Kitchen.
Print
Quick and Elegant Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A fast, elegant dish featuring shrimp and a rich garlic cream sauce, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the shrimp and sauce until well combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve hot and consider adding extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauteing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, quick seafood meal, garlic sauce, easy weeknight dinner