Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving something truly indulgent yet surprisingly simple, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. Plump, paprika-kissed shrimp nestle into silky noodles, all cloaked in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that tastes like pure comfort—with a gourmet twist you’ll love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta comes from its short, classic list of ingredients—each one adding just the right flavor, texture, or pop of color. Every component is carefully chosen for the creamiest, most comforting result!

• Shrimp (1 to 2 pounds, peeled and deveined): Bigger is better! Use large shrimp for juicy bites, but any size works. Fresh or thawed frozen are both perfect.
• Smoked Paprika (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds a subtle smokiness that wakes up the shrimp—regular paprika is lovely too if that’s what you have.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning the shrimp and sauce throughout.
• Linguine or Spaghetti (12 ounces): Both classic choices for this creamy dish; their shape soaks up the silky sauce beautifully.
• Butter (1 tablespoon for shrimp, 2 tablespoons for sauce): Gives rich flavor and that irresistible glossy finish.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Combines with butter for perfectly sautéed, golden shrimp without burning.
• Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced): The star seasoning! Freshly minced is best for the brightest, most aromatic punch.
• Milk or Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups): Use milk for a lighter touch or heavy cream for ultimate decadence. Either way, you’ll get a luscious, creamy sauce.
• Cornstarch (2 teaspoons, optional): Only needed with milk to thicken the sauce for that perfect clingy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly shredded): Melts into the sauce for salty, savory depth—always shred fresh if you can!
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Scatters gorgeous color and freshness on your finished dish.
• Reserved Pasta Water: The chef’s secret to making the sauce perfectly silky and spoonable.
• Extra Parmesan, for Serving: Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

Variations

One of my favorite things about Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is how easy it is to make your own! Feel free to swap in your favorite flavors, amp up the veggies, or adjust for food allergies—no rules, only delicious options.

• Add Vegetables: Throw in baby spinach, steamed broccoli, or halved cherry tomatoes for color and a fresh flavor boost.
• Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic for beautiful gentle heat.
• Dairy-Free Route: Use a plant-based butter, coconut cream or your favorite dairy-free milk and a vegan Parmesan substitute for a luscious non-dairy version.
• Change the Pasta: Swap in penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta to fit your cravings or dietary needs.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Season and Prep the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry and tossing them with smoked paprika, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This flavors the shrimp right from the get-go, helps them brown beautifully in the pan, and brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine (or spaghetti) until just al dente. Reserve 1–2 cups of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for creating an extra luscious, glossy sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in batches for the best sear—just 30–45 seconds per side until pink and opaque. Remove them swiftly so they stay tender, setting them aside while you make the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Add more butter to your pan and toss in the garlic—let it sizzle but not brown for maximum fragrance. Whisk together milk with cornstarch (if using), then pour it into the pan. Let the sauce bubble, add Parmesan, salt, and pepper, and keep stirring until it melts into dreamy creaminess.

Step 5: Toss Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Add your pasta to the skillet, using tongs to mix and coat every noodle generously with that gorgeous sauce. If the dish seems thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Return the shrimp to the pan, toss together, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Scatter parsley over the top for a fresh pop of green, and bring extra Parmesan to the table. Serve your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta immediately for the creamiest, most luxurious results!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with a generous shower of fresh parsley for color and freshness, plus extra Parmesan cheese for a salty kick. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a touch of lemon zest is lovely, too, if you want to ramp up the brightness.

Side Dishes

This pasta begs for a side of warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce—a simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach add a welcome hit of veg without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-worthy flourish, twirl the pasta into nests with tongs and perch a handful of shrimp on each serving. Individual bowls with an extra drizzle of cream and herb sprigs make it feel extra special, whether it’s a dinner party or just Tuesday night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store your pasta and shrimp together in an airtight container for up to two days. The sauce will thicken as it sits—but don’t worry, a splash of milk or cream will bring it back to life!

Freezing

While Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions for up to one month. Keep in mind that the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a gentle stir after reheating helps bring it back together.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent curdling and keep the shrimp from getting rubbery—microwaving on half-power in short bursts works in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dish that delivers all the creamy, garlicky, restaurant-worthy comfort you crave, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is your ultimate answer. I can’t wait for you to savor that first silky, flavorful forkful—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new standby for special nights and everyday indulgence alike. Enjoy every bite!

Print