This creamy shrimp pasta is the perfect dish for a quick yet indulgent meal. With succulent shrimp in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
You'll also love my other pasta recipes like this creamy tomato pasta, these stuffed pasta shells, or this creamy mushroom pasta.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Flavorful Shrimp: Searing the shrimp in butter and olive oil adds a rich depth of flavor, giving them a deliciously golden, slightly crispy finish.
- Balanced Seasoning: A hint of Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes enhances the pasta’s savory profile, adding a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal that feels indulgent.
- Versatile Ingredients: The recipe uses pantry staples and fresh shrimp, making it easy to adjust based on what’s available or personal preferences.
🧾 Ingredient notes
- Fettuccine or Linguine: Provides a tender yet sturdy base, ideal for holding creamy sauces.
- Shrimp: Adds a juicy, meaty element with a mild seafood flavor that pairs well with cream-based sauces.
- Butter & Olive Oil: Used to cook the shrimp and build the sauce, adding richness and a hint of nuttiness.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a savory aroma and enhances the sauce’s depth.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy texture that’s essential to this pasta.
- Chicken Broth: Adds flavor complexity while thinning the sauce slightly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Contributes both saltiness and a rich, umami quality to the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings in a balanced herb flavor that complements the creaminess.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a mild kick for those who like a touch of spice.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and lightens up the dish.
- Lemon Wedges: Offers a zesty contrast that balances the creamy sauce.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Creamy shrimp pasta recipe step-by-step
- Cook the pasta: Boil fettuccine or linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet, then add seasoned shrimp. Cook until they’re pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s aromatic.
- Make the sauce: Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and serve: Add the pasta and shrimp to the sauce, tossing to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed, then garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing from a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, here are my top tips for recipe success.
- Perfect Searing: Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful sear without excess moisture.
- Layering Butter and Olive Oil: Combining butter with olive oil prevents the butter from burning and enhances the shrimp’s flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the shrimp to deglaze, lifting the flavorful bits for a richer sauce.
- Cream Consistency: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or add a bit of cream cheese for extra thickness.
- Salt Pasta Water: Salting pasta water enhances the overall flavor, seasoning the pasta from within.
📖 Substitutions and variations
- Pasta: Swap fettuccine or linguine with spaghetti or penne for a different texture.
- Additional Vegetables: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus tips for added color and nutrients.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's creamy texture.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even a bit of pasta water can work as a substitute. Avoid plain water, as it won’t add flavor to the sauce.
Reheat the pasta slowly over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a small splash of cream or milk to help maintain a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Simmer the sauce a bit longer until it reduces, or add a small amount of grated Parmesan, which will naturally thicken the sauce as it melts.
Looking for more easy pasta recipes? Try these:
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Quick and Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Cook the shrimp:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Combine and serve:
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and enjoy:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Pair with your favorite garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe, but you can use medium shrimp if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Pasta water: The reserved pasta water contains starch, which helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta. Add it gradually to avoid making the sauce too watery.
- Variations: For added flavor, you can stir in some sun-dried tomatoes or baby spinach into the sauce just before adding the pasta.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and recipe developer. I help you get incredible dinners on the table fast with fool-proof recipes, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks I've learned over a 10-year career in professional kitchens.
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