Shrimp and pasta recipes are the kind of dishes that feel indulgent yet come together faster than takeout. The moment shrimp hits a hot pan, it releases a sweet, briny aroma that mingles with garlic and olive oil, filling your kitchen with Mediterranean warmth. Twirl tender pasta through a silky sauce, watch it cling to every curve, and finish with a shower of herbs and grated cheese. It’s comfort food with elegance — weeknight-friendly yet dinner-party worthy. Whether you crave creamy decadence or bright lemony freshness, this recipe balances texture, flavor, and ease in one irresistible bowl.
A Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta You’ll Crave Again and Again
This shrimp and pasta recipe features plump, juicy shrimp sautéed in butter and garlic, tossed with al dente pasta, and finished in a luscious cream sauce with fresh herbs and Parmesan. If you’re searching for an easy creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe for weeknight dinner, this version delivers bold flavor in under 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is Shrimp and Pasta?
Shrimp and pasta is a classic Italian-American–inspired dish where quickly cooked shrimp are combined with pasta and a flavorful sauce — often garlic butter, tomato-based marinara, or cream sauce. As one of the most popular seafood pasta recipes, it balances delicate seafood sweetness with hearty pasta for a satisfying, versatile meal.
Why You’ll Love It
Shrimp and pasta recipes strike that perfect middle ground: comforting yet fresh, rich yet light. The shrimp cook in minutes, the sauce builds flavour quickly, and the pasta ties everything together in silky harmony.
- Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy: Lean protein from shrimp with customizable lighter sauce options (learn more about shrimp’s protein benefits at Healthline.
- Flexible: Works with spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or linguine.
- Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully without drying out.
- Kid-friendly: Mild garlic cream flavor appeals to picky eaters.
- Budget-friendly: Frozen shrimp and pantry pasta keep costs low.
Reader Questions About Shrimp and Pasta Recipes
- How do you keep shrimp tender instead of rubbery in pasta?
- What’s the best pasta shape for creamy garlic shrimp pasta?
- Can you make shrimp pasta without heavy cream?
- What sauce pairs best with shrimp — Alfredo, lemon butter, or tomato?
Let’s answer all of that — starting with the technique that changes everything.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until just al dente — about 1 minute shy of package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Micro-tip: Salting the water generously is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 60–90 seconds per side until pink and opaque.
Remove immediately.
Quick-fix: If shrimp overcook and feel firm, toss them back into the sauce briefly at the end — no more than 30 seconds — to prevent toughness.
3. Build the Sauce
Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant (not browned). Stir in cream, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan and stir until silky.
4. Combine
Return shrimp to skillet. Add drained pasta and splash of reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously until glossy and emulsified.
Finish with parsley and cracked pepper.
For a lighter variation, you can borrow inspiration from this vibrant pasta primavera recipe
This method also works beautifully if you’re making an easy creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe for a weeknight dinner.
Variations
Healthy Shrimp and Pasta
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt stirred off heat. Add spinach or zucchini ribbons for extra nutrients. Pair it with a simple side like these roasted potatoes
(PASF Keyword: shrimp pasta without cream)
Budget-Friendly Version
Use frozen shrimp (thawed overnight) and spaghetti instead of specialty pasta. Bulk it up with sautéed mushrooms for a hearty stretch. Serve alongside comforting red beans and rice for larger gatherings
Kid-Friendly Option
Skip red pepper flakes and add a sprinkle of mozzarella for a milder flavor. Garlic butter shrimp pasta tends to be a favorite for younger eaters.
High-Protein Boost
Add extra shrimp or toss in grilled chicken slices. This creates a protein-packed meal perfect after workouts. For another protein-rich idea, check these pork chops in the crock pot
Pro Chef Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
- Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to ensure caramelization.
- Don’t crowd the pan — steam causes rubbery texture.
- Finish pasta in sauce for proper emulsification.
- Use fresh lemon zest — it brightens heavy cream instantly.
A splash of pasta water is the secret weapon for restaurant-level gloss.
Storage & Reheating
Shrimp and pasta recipes store surprisingly well when handled properly.
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently: Add a tablespoon of milk or broth before microwaving to revive creaminess.
- Avoid high heat: Overheating makes shrimp firm.
For meal-prep shrimp pasta with garlic cream sauce, slightly undercook shrimp initially so reheating doesn’t push them past tender perfection.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw overnight in the fridge and pat dry before cooking.
2. What pasta works best for seafood pasta recipes?
Linguine or fettuccine hold creamy sauces beautifully.
3. How do I make shrimp pasta without cream?
Use olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and pasta water for a lighter sauce.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus pair wonderfully.
5. How do I prevent rubbery shrimp?
Cook just until pink and opaque — usually under 3 minutes total.
6. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but store shrimp separately if possible for best texture. For dessert afterward, try this chocolate cake recipe
Nutrition (Per Serving Approximate)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Pat shrimp dry. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cream, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and stir until smooth.
- Return shrimp and pasta to skillet. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss until glossy.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp; they cook in under 3 minutes.
- Add a splash of pasta water for a restaurant-style silky sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Store leftovers up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Final Notes
Shrimp and pasta recipes bring together speed, elegance, and comfort in one bowl. The silky sauce, tender seafood, and perfectly twirled pasta create a harmony that feels both rustic and refined. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish transforms simple pantry ingredients into something memorable. It’s the kind of Italian-inspired seafood dinner that never loses its magic.
