Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Velvety, garlicky, and utterly irresistible—Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect comfort dish for a cozy dinner or an elegant date night at home. This dish combines tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, tossed into a rich, creamy sauce infused with parmesan and herbs, then all swirled together with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s indulgent yet quick enough to whip up on a weeknight, bringing restaurant-style luxury right to your kitchen table.

The balance of flavors here is what makes this pasta sing. The sweetness of the shrimp melds with the savory garlic cream, while a dusting of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper adds brightness and heat. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea or a show-stopping centerpiece for a meal with friends, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Zest of ½ lemon (optional for a fresh touch)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the cooked pasta aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

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Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon zest (optional). Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.

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Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

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Step 6: Garnish and Plate

Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra cracked black pepper for a bold finish. Enjoy it while it’s hot and creamy!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta tasting as fresh as possible, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

Avoid microwaving the shrimp for too long, as it can become rubbery. For best texture, reheat only until warm. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream-based sauce and the delicate nature of shrimp.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — Approx. 4 servings)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 210mg
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.

2. What pasta shape works best?

Spaghetti or linguine are ideal, but fettuccine or even penne can work well to hold the creamy sauce.

3. Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

You can use whole milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce, though the texture won’t be as rich.

4. Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add the red pepper flakes. You can skip them or reduce the amount for a milder taste.

5. How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly—about 1–2 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink and curl, they’re done.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes pair wonderfully with the creamy garlic flavor.

7. Is this gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using GF pasta and ensuring your parmesan is GF-certified.

8. Can I prepare this in advance?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and shrimp separately, then combine everything just before serving.

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