Shrimp Pasta With Garlic Cream Sauce

Name: Shrimp Pasta With Garlic Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Creations

I absolutely adore making Shrimp Pasta With Garlic Cream Sauce because it combines a few of my favorite ingredients into a delightful meal that's quick and satisfying. The creamy garlic sauce clings beautifully to the shrimp and pasta, and it all comes together in just under 30 minutes! Whether it’s for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests, this dish never fails to please. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate any weeknight meal into a gourmet experience without needing extensive cooking skills.

Created by

Ivy Richardson

Last updated on 2026-02-27T21:25:36.801Z

When I first tried making shrimp pasta with garlic cream sauce, I was amazed at how easily it came together. The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and ensuring the pasta is cooked al dente. This way, the noodles soak up the sauce just perfectly while maintaining their texture.

As I was perfecting the recipe, I discovered that adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a delightful kick to the creaminess, elevating the flavors to a whole new level. Trust me, it’s a little step that makes a big difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy garlic sauce that envelops each shrimp and pasta bite
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet dish

Perfect Pasta Cooking

The key to achieving the perfect al dente pasta lies in timing and water temperature. Ensure your pot is filled with enough salted water, typically about 4-6 quarts for 8 ounces of pasta. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the linguine or spaghetti, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking the pasta for a minute less than the package instructions often yields the best texture for finishing in the sauce.

As you drain the pasta, reserve half a cup of the starchy cooking water. This liquid is a valuable asset for adjusting the consistency of your sauce later on. It not only helps to thicken the sauce but also helps it adhere to the pasta, creating a more cohesive dish. The starchy water adds an extra layer of flavor and encourages the sauce to cling without making it too watery.

Shrimp Cooking Technique

Cooking shrimp correctly is crucial for texture. Overcooking leads to rubbery shrimp while undercooking poses safety risks. When sautéing the shrimp, they should turn from translucent to fully opaque, with a pinkish hue. This typically takes 3–4 minutes on medium heat. Keep an eye on them and stir gently to ensure even cooking and avoid sticking to the skillet.

I often recommend using fresh or frozen shrimp with the shells already removed for convenience. However, if you opt for frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or quickly under cold water before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to help achieve a good sear, preventing them from steaming and ensuring a better flavor and texture.

Crafting the Garlic Cream Sauce

The garlic cream sauce forms the heart of this dish, and using fresh garlic is key to maximizing flavor. Sauté the garlic until fragrant but be careful not to let it brown significantly, as this can introduce bitterness. Once you add the heavy cream and Parmesan, the garlic flavor should become more mellow and integrate beautifully, forming a rich, indulgent sauce that clings to the pasta and shrimp.

If you find the sauce too thick, don't hesitate to add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess. This technique not only adjusts the sauce's consistency but also allows it to better coat the pasta, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. For a fresh twist, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, cooking until they are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic and shrimp. It adds depth that complements the cream beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Shrimp Pasta With Garlic Cream Sauce, presentation plays a vital role. I like to garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan for a touch of color and flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side can also enhance both presentation and taste, giving diners the option to add a bit of zest to each bite.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the garlic cream sauce. Additionally, a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors beautifully, making it a perfect option for a casual dinner or a more elegant gathering.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through, aiming to restore that creamy consistency without overcooking the shrimp again.

While this dish can be frozen, it's best to do so without the shrimp. Cooked shrimp can become rubbery upon thawing. Instead, freeze the pasta and sauce separately. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over gentle heat before tossing in freshly cooked shrimp.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream with coconut cream and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

→ What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Linguine or spaghetti works best, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus are great additions that cook quickly and complement the dish well.