Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic-infused creamy Parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente fettuccine or linguine. A quick and easy stovetop meal that blends bold flavors and comforting textures, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special gathering with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring them into the sauce. Simmer everything together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to ensure the shrimp are heated through and infused with the creamy garlic flavor.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every strand in the luscious sauce. Cook for 1 minute more, warming the pasta through and marrying all the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy garlic shrimp pasta.
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter creamy sauce.
- Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor, texture, and color.
- Pair the dish with crusty bread and a green salad for a balanced and complete meal.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
