Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that brings together tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. It’s rich yet balanced, elegant yet incredibly easy to make.

Every bite offers a buttery, savory flavor with a hint of freshness from herbs and a satisfying creaminess that coats the pasta beautifully. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic date nights, or special occasions when you want something that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this recipe so enjoyable is its simplicity and depth of flavor. The shrimp cooks quickly yet adds a beautiful richness to the sauce, and the Parmesan ties everything together with a bold, savory finish.

The garlic gives the dish warmth and aroma, while the cream keeps it smooth and comforting. The balance of textures—juicy shrimp and al dente pasta—makes every bite satisfying. It’s a dish I love making because it feels gourmet without being complicated.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

If you’re a pasta lover or a seafood fan, this recipe is a must-try. It delivers a restaurant-style experience with ingredients that are easy to find and steps that are beginner-friendly. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, the shrimp stays tender, and the creamy flavor profile makes it universally loved.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, impressing guests, or preparing a romantic dinner, this pasta will never disappoint.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Estimated Calories (per serving): ~560 calories
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 10 oz (280g) fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
• 3 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedge (optional but recommended)

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Cook the pasta until al dente.
2. Sauté shrimp with butter and seasoning.
3. Prepare garlic Parmesan cream sauce.
4. Toss pasta and shrimp together in sauce.
5. Serve hot with garnishes.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes depending on type).
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Continue simmering until sauce thickens and smooths.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
2. Add shrimp back into the pan.
3. If sauce is too thick, mix in a splash of pasta water until desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve warm in large pasta bowls, topped with freshly chopped parsley, a little extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Pair with garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables to make it a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-packaged, for the creamiest texture.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they only need a few minutes.
• Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency.

Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Spinach Version: Stir in fresh spinach before adding pasta.
• Tomato Cream Version: Add ¼ cup tomato paste or crushed tomatoes.
• Bacon Shrimp Pasta: Add crispy bacon or pancetta for smoky flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to cream separation, but can freeze up to 1 month if needed.
• To reheat: Add a splash of cream or milk over low heat until smooth.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pasta pot
• Deep skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Cheese grater (for fresh Parmesan)

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I substitute cream?

Half-and-half works, but the sauce will be thinner.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely—penne, bowtie, or rigatoni also work well.

Conclusion

Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a decadent yet simple dish that brings incredible flavor and elegance to your table. With perfectly tender shrimp, rich creamy sauce, and beautifully coated pasta, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this pasta guarantees satisfaction and restaurant-worthy results every time.