Description
This Creamy Shrimp Pasta features tender shrimp tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy yet elegant dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water; drain and set aside.
- Season Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly on all sides.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce to coat thoroughly.
- Finish Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately while creamy and warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest and creamiest sauce texture.
- Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to customize and vary the recipe.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture before sauce thickens too much upon standing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
