Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This creamy shrimp pasta recipe is all about bold flavors and minimal effort. With pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you’ll create a dish that feels gourmet without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti gluten-free if needed
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup white wine
- 1 cup spinach or arugula
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Sauté 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Cook garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. If using wine, add and cook 1 minute.
- Make sauce: Add broth, cream, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and lemon juice until smooth. Add pasta water if needed.
- Combine: Return shrimp to skillet. Add pasta and optional add-ins. Toss to coat, cooking 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate for 3 days. Reheat with broth to revive sauce. Avoid freezing.
- Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Swap cream for coconut cream, Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
- Spicy Option: Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Pro Tip: Remove shrimp when pink to avoid overcooking.