Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Plump, succulent shrimp are sautéed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and tossed with tender pasta coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

The combination of garlic, butter, and a hint of parmesan creates a comforting yet indulgent meal that feels elegant enough for a dinner party but is quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• Rich & Flavorful: The garlic butter cream sauce is decadent and indulgent.
• Perfectly Balanced: Creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy, complementing the shrimp beautifully.
• Family & Date Night Friendly: Appealing to adults and older kids alike.
• Customizable: Easy to add vegetables, spice, or different pasta types.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect for busy nights when you want something indulgent yet easy.
• Elegant enough for entertaining guests.
• Combines protein and carbs in one comforting dish.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients but delivers big flavors.
• Quick, one-pan cooking makes it approachable even for beginners.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
• Course: Main course
• Cuisine: Italian / American Fusion

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or linguine
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Pat shrimp dry and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté Shrimp:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add Cream & Cheese:
   Pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
   Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently.
7. Finish the Dish:
   Drizzle lemon juice over the pasta (optional) and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve hot, straight from the skillet or plated on individual plates.
• Pair with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for presentation.
• Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.

Recipe Tips

• Pat shrimp dry to avoid steaming instead of searing.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Pasta: Toss in asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Increase lemon juice and zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap the pasta for a healthier or gluten-free option.
• Creamy Tomato Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add ½ cup tomato sauce to the cream sauce for a creamy tomato variation.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked pasta and shrimp separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for shrimp pasta, as cream sauces can separate. You can freeze cooked shrimp and pasta separately, then reheat and combine with a freshly made cream sauce.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for pasta
• Tongs or slotted spoon for shrimp
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Grater for fresh Parmesan

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter and heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep shrimp and pasta separately, but combine with sauce just before serving for best texture.

Q4: How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
A: Cook over medium heat and avoid boiling the cream. Stir constantly while adding cream and cheese.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus work beautifully.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comfort-food-meets-elegance dish. Its rich, garlicky cream sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp and tender pasta creates a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Quick enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests, this recipe is a must-try for seafood and pasta lovers alike. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.