Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter

Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter is one of those luxurious yet surprisingly simple recipes that make dinner feel like a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Tender shrimp cooked in rich garlic butter, paired with al dente pasta and coated in a velvety parmesan cream sauce—this dish is the perfect mix of elegance and comfort.

The aroma alone—garlic warming in butter, cream simmering gently, and Parmesan melting into silk—is enough to make anyone hungry. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests, this pasta brings pure satisfaction.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines bold flavors with delicate texture. The shrimp adds a light seafood sweetness, the garlic butter brings depth, and the Parmesan cream ties everything together into pure lusciousness. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

This recipe also has flexibility—you can make it richer, lighter, spicier, or even customize the pasta shape depending on your mood.

Why It’s a Must-Try

• ✔ Restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients
• ✔ Ready in under 30 minutes
• ✔ Balanced flavors—creamy, savory, and slightly garlicky
• ✔ Perfect for date night, family dinner, or special occasions
• ✔ Loved by kids and adults alike

If you love pasta and shrimp—or just love comfort food—this one deserves a spot in your cooking rotation.

Time & Yield

Category	Time
Preparation Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Details	Info
Servings	4 servings
Course	Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine	Italian-American
Calories (approx.)	580–650 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 300g (10 oz) fettuccine or spaghetti
• Salt (for boiling)

For the Shrimp

• 450g (1 lb) medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• 3 tbsp garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk (or more cream for extra richness)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Juice of half a lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions (Quick Layout)

1. Cook the pasta.
2. Season and sauté shrimp in garlic butter.
3. Make the creamy Parmesan sauce.
4. Toss cooked pasta into sauce.
5. Add shrimp and garnish with parsley and extra cheese.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1 — Boil the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2 — Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt, paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes.
3. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden.
4. Remove and set aside.

Step 3 — Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt remaining butter.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Pour in heavy cream and milk; whisk gently.
4. Add Italian seasoning, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
6. Adjust thickness using milk or reserved pasta water.

Step 4 — Combine

1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well.
2. Add shrimp and gently fold everything together.

Step 5 — Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and optional red chili flakes.

How to Serve

• Serve hot directly from the pan or placed into warm pasta bowls.
• Pair with:
  • Garlic bread
  • Caesar salad
  • White wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: They become rubbery quickly.
• Reserved pasta water is magic: It helps emulsify the sauce.
• Stir frequently: Cream sauces can thicken fast.

Variations

Style	What to Change
Spicy Cajun	Add 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning + extra chili flakes
Lighter Version	Replace cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk
Vegetarian	Replace shrimp with mushrooms or roasted vegetables
Extra Cheesy	Add Romano cheese or mozzarella
Lemon Garlic Style	Increase lemon juice and add lemon zest

Freezing & Storage

Storage Method	Duration
Refrigerator	2–3 days (sealed container)
Freezer (sauce only)	2 months
Freezer (with shrimp and pasta)	Not recommended (texture softens)

Special Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Grater for Parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
✔ Yes—thaw first and pat dry.

Q: Can I use grated cheese from a packet?
✔ Yes, but texture will be less creamy.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
✔ Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on seasonings.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter is a beautifully balanced, rich, and comforting dish perfect for any pasta lover. With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, it delivers a luxurious flavor experience worthy of any special occasion without demanding complicated expertise.