Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Few dishes strike the perfect balance between indulgent comfort and restaurant-style elegance quite like Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta. This stunning dish brings together the rich flavors of a luscious garlic cream sauce and the gentle sweetness of perfectly sautéed shrimp, all nestled around strands of al dente pasta. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or looking to elevate a regular weeknight meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The savory aroma of garlic mingling with butter and parmesan is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta delivers a luxurious taste experience in every bite, without requiring complicated steps or obscure ingredients. Best of all, it comes together quickly—making it perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or anytime you’re craving something satisfying and soul-warming.

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Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, in case you want to thin the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

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

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

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Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. If you’re using crushed red pepper flakes, stir them in now for a touch of heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, and if you like, a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish. Serve hot, with extra grated Parmesan and black pepper for added flavor.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently over the stove or in the microwave at medium power. You can add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce and keep it creamy.
Avoid freezing this dish—cream-based sauces tend to separate and lose their smooth texture when thawed and reheated.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here is a general nutrition estimate per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~540 kcal
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~42g
• Fat: ~28g
• Saturated Fat: ~15g
• Cholesterol: ~200mg
• Sodium: ~500mg
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~2g

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess water from watering down the sauce.

2. What pasta works best with this dish?

Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine are all great choices. Short pasta like penne can work too, but long noodles coat better with creamy sauces.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream alternatives and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

4. How spicy is it with red pepper flakes?

It adds a mild kick. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit entirely based on your spice preference.

5. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a tablespoon of flour for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli during the final mixing step for more nutrition and color.

7. Is it okay to use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, just add them at the very end to warm through—overcooking pre-cooked shrimp can make them rubbery.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp when ready to serve.

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