Here’s a simple, flavorful Shrimp Pasta recipe that’s quick, creamy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner 🍤🍝
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This dish combines tender shrimp, pasta, and a garlicky cream sauce for a restaurant-style meal at home.
🧺 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
2. Cook Shrimp
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cream and simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add lemon juice and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
4. Combine
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet.
- Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
5. Serve
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
🌟 Tips
- Shrimp: Don’t overcook—they turn rubbery quickly.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Flavor boost: Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta.
If you want, I can also make a one-pan garlic butter shrimp pasta that’s ready in 20 minutes, super easy cleanup, and just as creamy