Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta (30-Minute Dinner) (Print Version)
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful weeknight meal. Tender shrimp, rich garlic cream sauce, and al dente pasta ready in just 30 minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Pasta Foundation
01 -
12 oz linguine or fettuccine
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 tbsp Salt, for pasta water
→ Sizzling Shrimp & Aromatics
04 -
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
05 -
1 tbsp olive oil
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
09 -
1/2 tsp salt
→ Creamy Garlic Sauce
10 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
11 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 -
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
13 -
1 cup heavy cream
14 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
16 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Bright Finish
17 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
18 -
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp salt. Cook 12 oz linguine or fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This is the foundation for your delicious Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta (30-Minute Dinner!).
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb large shrimp, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown. This aromatic base is key for your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta (30-Minute Dinner!).
04 -
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
05 -
Add the drained linguine or fettuccine, cooked shrimp, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. This step brings together all the flavors for your perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta (30-Minute Dinner!). If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
06 -
Season your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta (30-Minute Dinner!) with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp in step 2; they cook very quickly and can become rubbery. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
02 -
The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon! Its starch helps the sauce emulsify and cling beautifully to the pasta, ensuring a rich, creamy texture.
03 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
04 -
Feel free to swap linguine for spaghetti or penne. For a vegetarian option, omit shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Tongs
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Garlic press
07 -
Cheese grater
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 830 kcal
Total Fat: 47 g
Total Carbohydrate: 63 g
Protein: 42 g