Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a seafood lover, this Scrumptious Shrimp Pasta is your next go-to meal. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with succulent shrimp tossed in a velvety sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. The best part? This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Pure Comfort
Nothing beats the warm, satisfying feeling of a big bowl of shrimp pasta. The combination of juicy shrimp, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta creates a pure comfort food experience that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
What You Need
To create this delicious seafood pasta dish, you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Steps to Make It
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or broth) and let it simmer for 2 minutes, reducing slightly.
4. Add the Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Toss It All Together
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Gently mix in the shrimp and cherry tomatoes (if using).
6. Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Scrumptious Shrimp Pasta with extra Parmesan on top!
Make It Perfect
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should be pink and tender, not rubbery.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water or cream.
Mix It Up
- Swap shrimp for scallops or crab meat for a different seafood experience.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
- Try a spicy Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty kick.
Perfect Partners
Pair this seafood pasta dish with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Asparagus or Zucchini – Light, healthy side options.
Busy Day Hero
Short on time? This Shrimp Pasta Recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the ultimate busy day dinner solution.
Work Ahead
- Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time for quick prep.
- Pre-make the sauce and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using.
Save Some For Later
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Everyone’s Happy
This shrimp pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a date night.
Good For You Too
This dish is packed with lean protein from shrimp, and you can make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or serving it with zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Easy Clean Up
- Use just one skillet for the sauce and shrimp to minimize dishes.
- Line your cooking area with parchment paper for quick cleanup.
Switch It Up
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
- Swap white wine for lemon juice and broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Simply Perfect
This Scrumptious Shrimp Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors, making it an effortless yet elegant seafood dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them in cold water for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
2. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best, but any pasta will do.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
4. How do I make it spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
5. Can I use another protein?
Absolutely! Try chicken, salmon, or even tofu for a different twist.
6. What can I serve with shrimp pasta?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed veggies are great side options.
7. Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes! Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Conclusion
This Scrumptious Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate seafood lover’s dream dish—easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, this creamy, garlicky, and indulgent pasta will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Let me know if you’d like any refinements! 😊
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