Description

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a restaurant-quality dinner but is easy enough for a weeknight? Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the answer. With tender shrimp swimming in a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce, this quick dinner idea delivers serious flavor with minimal effort. It’s one of those easy recipes that can pass for a fancy date night meal or a cozy family dinner.

Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, seafood recipes, or just food ideas that impress, this dish has it all. The combination of juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic, and creamy pasta creates a warm, satisfying experience in every bite. This easy shrimp pasta recipe is also perfect for lovers of creamy sauces and makes a wonderful addition to your list of healthy-ish dinner choices when served with a side salad or steamed veggies.

Ingredients

Scale

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

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until pink (1-2 minutes per side). Remove shrimp and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to skillet, then garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet.
Toss everything to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot.