Description
Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is a comforting and indulgent Italian-American dish featuring tender, seasoned shrimp tossed with al dente pasta in a rich and velvety sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that feels both special and satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season evenly with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Melt Cheeses: Lower the heat to low and gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Slowly stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. This helps make the sauce creamy and coats the pasta nicely.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy mozzarella sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce texture.
- Avoid boiling the cream sauce after adding the cheese, as excessive heat can cause it to become grainy.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to control the thickness of the sauce and achieve your ideal consistency.
- For an added bright flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
