Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Craving a quick, delicious dinner that feels like a restaurant treat? This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe from Beth’s Quick Bites is your answer! Ready in about 30 minutes, it combines juicy shrimp, a rich garlic cream sauce, and tender pasta for a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy date night. With simple ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan, and fresh parsley.

This dish is easy to make and full of flavor. Let’s dive into how to whip up this crowd-pleaser, with smart tips to save time and make it your own, all while using the important words from the Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe like salt, pepper, fresh garlic, and garnish.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This recipe uses pantry staples and a few fresh items to create a creamy, satisfying dish. Here’s what you need:

• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen works; thaw frozen shrimp first.
• Pasta: 8 ounces of long pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for the best sauce cling.
• Garlic: 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced, for bold flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best taste.
• Heavy cream: 1 cup for a rich, thick sauce. Low-sodium broth can be a lighter substitute.
• Parmesan: ½ cup, freshly grated, for creamy taste and visual appeal.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons for cooking the shrimp and garlic.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (like vegetable oil in the chicken recipe) to coat the pan.
• Salt and pepper: To season the shrimp and sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped, as a garnish for flavor and color.
• Oregano: ½ teaspoon dried oregano for a subtle herbaceous note.
• Sesame seeds: Optional garnish for crunch, inspired by the chicken recipe’s sesame seeds.
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon for a touch of sweetness and brightness, similar to honey’s role.

These ingredients are easy to keep on hand, like soy sauce or ketchup in the chicken recipe, making this a go-to meal.

PIN IT

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is simple to make, even if you’re short on time. Follow these steps for a juicy, flavorful dish:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. This is like seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook, or they’ll be dry. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add fresh garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring to mix. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens, like the thick sauce in the chicken recipe.
5. Add Parmesan: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano for flavor.
6. Combine: Return shrimp to the skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss to coat in the sauce. Baste the shrimp with sauce as you stir, similar to basting chicken halfway through baking.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and sesame seeds for visual appeal and taste. Serve hot for the best experience.

This process is as easy as preheating an oven to 375°F and baking chicken for 35-40 minutes.

Smart Tips for the Best Results

To make this dish shine and save time, use these Beth’s Quick Bites strategies, inspired by the chicken recipe’s tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh garlic gives a stronger flavor than pre-minced garlic. Grate Parmesan yourself for a smoother sauce. Like natural honey or raw honey in the chicken recipe, fresh ingredients boost taste and sweetness.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook fast, in 4-6 minutes. Check for pinkness to avoid dry, tough texture, just like checking chicken’s internal temperature of 165°F with an internal thermometer for doneness. If you’re unsure, cut one shrimp to check.

Perfect the Sauce

For a thick sauce, simmer the heavy cream longer, like reducing the sauce in the chicken recipe. If it’s too thick, add pasta water slowly. Use low-sodium broth instead of heavy cream for a lighter option, similar to low-sodium soy sauce for less saltiness.

Save Time

Prep ahead: Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and season shrimp earlier in the day, like mixing the sauce for chicken in advance. Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water for 10 minutes before cooking. This cuts down active cooking time.

Add Visual Appeal

Garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds, just like the chicken recipe uses parsley and sesame seeds for visual appeal. It makes the dish look fancy without extra effort.

Why This Recipe Works

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta from Beth’s Quick Bites is a hit because it’s fast and full of flavor. The garlic and Parmesan create a rich sauce that clings to the pasta, while shrimp add a juicy, protein-packed bite. Oregano and lemon juice bring depth, like oregano and honey in the chicken recipe. It’s versatile—serve it with a salad, garlic bread, or veggies, just as you’d pair chicken with rice or roasted vegetables.

Customize It

Make this recipe your own with these ideas, inspired by the chicken recipe’s flexibility:

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a kick, like tweaking the chicken sauce.
• Change the protein: Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops, similar to using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Add veggies: Toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition, like adding greens to chicken dishes.
• Make it lighter: Use low-sodium broth or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, just as low-sodium soy sauce reduces saltiness.

Serving Suggestions with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Serve this pasta hot with sides to complete the meal. A green salad with a tangy dressing pairs well, like a salad with the chicken. Garlic bread soaks up the sauce, and steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a healthy touch. Plan sides while the pasta cooks, like preheating the oven for chicken sides.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, like chicken breasts. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of heavy cream or pasta water to keep the sauce creamy, not dry. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the shrimp, similar to reheating chicken at 375°F.

You May Want to Try:-

• Easy Butterbeer Recipe Unveiled (Just Four Ingredients)
• 30-Minute Dinners: Easy Weeknight Meals to Save Time
• Ultimate Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
• The Best Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
• Best Jello Shot Recipe – Easy & Delicious Way!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe from Beth’s Quick Bites is a quick, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With fresh garlic, Parmesan, and shrimp in a thick sauce, it’s as comforting as Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts but with a seafood twist. Use fresh parsley and sesame seeds to garnish, and follow the tips to keep it juicy and delicious. Grab your skillet, mix up that sauce, and enjoy a hot, restaurant-quality dish in no time!