This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta is a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. Juicy shrimp mingle with spaghetti in a rich, creamy sauce that’s made with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
You’ll love how quickly it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights! It’s so good that I can’t resist sneaking a few bites while cooking. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend fettuccine or linguine for this recipe. They catch the sauce beautifully. If you have dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free pasta or whole-grain options for a healthier touch.
Shrimp: Large peeled and deveined shrimp are best for this dish. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen ones work just as well—just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or use a plant-based cream if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for the best flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. Just be aware it has a stronger flavor.
Olive Oil & Butter: Using both adds depth and richness to the sauce. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can use just olive oil.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly! Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfect every time:
- Heat the olive oil and butter until hot, but not smoking.
- Add shrimp in a single layer to avoid steaming them. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side.
- They’re done when they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking!
Having a little patience in the cooking process, especially with shrimp, can make a big difference in how your pasta turns out!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Shrimp:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnishing:
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning sauce)
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare. You will spend around 10 minutes boiling the pasta and about 15 minutes cooking the shrimp and making the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salty water to a boil. Once boiling, add your fettuccine or linguine and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with a bit of salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. After the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. If you like a thinner sauce, stir in a bit of chicken broth at this stage.
4. Mix in the Cheese:
Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly. Then, gently fold back in the cooked shrimp and crumbled bacon (if you’re using it).
6. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. Serve your creamy garlic Parmesan shrimp pasta immediately, and don’t forget to add extra Parmesan cheese if you like!
Enjoy your delicious meal! You’ll find it’s a wonderful blend of flavors that’s sure to please anyone at the table.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are great choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type you choose.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch to achieve a creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can try using coconut milk for a dairy-free version, though it will give a slightly different flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back some creaminess as it warms up.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. Just sauté them alongside the garlic before adding the cream to ensure they’re cooked through and flavorful!
