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–+ servings
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A quick, creamy, and comforting pasta dish with tender shrimp, a garlicky Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s rich with flavor and warmth — just like a home-cooked hug.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4 people
Calories 640 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Tongs or pasta spoon

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine
  • 1/2 tsp salt for boiling water

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Cream Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  • Season shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Mix in Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Let thicken slightly.
  • Stir in lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water until sauce coats pasta smoothly.
  • Return shrimp to the pan and toss gently until heated through and coated in sauce.
  • Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

This one-pan creamy garlic shrimp pasta is ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or when you're craving comfort in a bowl. Customize with vegetables or swap the cheese for dairy-free options as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 225mgSodium: 510mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 3.5mg
Keyword creamy, Garlic, Pasta, Quick, Shrimp
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