Name: Creamy Shrimp Pasta: 5 Reasons You'll Love This Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or linguine; 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Creamy Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and succulent shrimp for a meal that is both quick and indulgent. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet impressive. With a creamy garlic-infused sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive in and explore how to create this delicious shrimp pasta dish!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Shrimp Pasta

This creamy shrimp pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons you’ll adore it:

Quick preparation—ready in just 25 minutes.
Rich flavors that please even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile; perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.
Can easily be modified with different proteins or veggies.
Gluten-free option available for dietary needs.
Perfect for leftovers, making it a great meal prep option.
It’s a comfort food that satisfies every craving.
Pair it with garlic bread for a complete meal.

This easy creamy shrimp pasta recipe is a go-to for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, with its Italian roots, it brings a taste of Italy right to your table!

Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Gather these items:

8 oz fettuccine or linguine
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta Step-by-Step

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Pair with your favorite garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce with reserved pasta water to your liking.
Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Shrimp Pasta

This delicious shrimp pasta dish can be served in various ways:

Top with extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
Garnish with lemon zest for an added citrus kick.
Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Shrimp Pasta

For leftovers, store any uneaten creamy shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy texture. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Shrimp Pasta

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Shrimp Pasta?

The secret lies in not overcooking the shrimp and using high-quality ingredients. Fresh shrimp and a good brand of cream will elevate your creamy seafood linguine to restaurant level.

Can I make Creamy Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta fresh before serving. This way, you’ll have a quick creamy shrimp dinner ready in no time!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Shrimp Pasta?

Avoid overcooking the shrimp and pasta. Always cook pasta al dente and toss it with the sauce immediately, ensuring it absorbs the creamy flavor without becoming mushy.

Variations of Creamy Shrimp Pasta You Can Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to explore:

Creamy garlic shrimp pasta: Add extra garlic for a richer flavor.
Creamy lemon shrimp pasta: Incorporate lemon juice for a zesty twist.
Shrimp pasta with cream sauce: Experiment with different cream bases, like half-and-half.
Comfort food shrimp pasta recipe: Mix in your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.

Each variation brings something unique while keeping the essence of this favorite dish alive!

For a deeper dive into pasta dishes, check out our Creamy Potato Soup Recipe or explore Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage for more creamy goodness.

Creamy Shrimp Pasta: 5 Reasons You'll Love This Dish - Creamy Shrimp Pasta - additional detail

For more tips on cooking shrimp, you can refer to this Seafood Watch guide for sustainable seafood choices.

Creamy Shrimp Pasta: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish

Author: basmer
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Quick and Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Pair with your favorite garlic bread for a complete meal.