There’s just something magical about shrimp and pasta coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Every bite is buttery, garlicky, and perfectly comforting — and I’m obsessed.
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for date night but is shockingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.
I make this at least once a month, and every time, I remember why I love it so much: the sauce is silky and rich, the shrimp cook up in minutes, and it feels like restaurant-quality food with minimal effort. If you’re craving comfort food with a bit of elegance, you’re going to love this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Ready in under 30 minutes – Seriously, you’ll spend more time devouring it than cooking it.
- Garlicky and indulgent – The garlic cream sauce is rich but not too heavy, and clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Perfect for shrimp lovers – Tender, juicy shrimp steal the show here.
- Simple ingredients – You probably already have most of this in your pantry and fridge.
- Versatile – Easily swap in other proteins or toss in veggies you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make creamy garlic shrimp pasta at home:
- Pasta: I love linguine or fettuccine for this, but spaghetti or even penne works too.
- Shrimp: Use medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I prefer tail-off for easier eating.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a world of difference here — I use 4–5 cloves.
- Butter + Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp and garlic. The mix adds flavor and prevents burning.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its creamy, dreamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and thickens the sauce. Freshly grated is best!
- Chicken Broth or White Wine (optional): Adds depth and balances the richness.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herby finish.
- Lemon Wedge (optional): A little squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining — it might come in handy later to loosen the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them — they cook fast! Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter if needed, then toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant — don’t let it brown.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth or white wine. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick if you like.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats the noodles and shrimp evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if you’re feeling fancy. I like to add extra Parmesan on top too — because why not?
Tips for the Creamiest Shrimp Pasta
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – They’ll turn rubbery quickly. 2 minutes per side is perfect.
- Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese can clump and won’t melt as smoothly.
- Add pasta water sparingly – It helps thin the sauce without watering down the flavor.
- Taste and adjust – Everyone’s garlic and salt tolerance is different, so don’t be afraid to tweak.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add Spinach or Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss in fresh baby spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Use Scallops or Chicken: Not a shrimp person? Seared scallops or sliced chicken breast are great alternatives.
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning.
- Lighter Option: Sub half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream (though it won’t be quite as rich).
What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This dish is indulgent on its own, but here are some sides I love pairing with it:
- Garlic Bread – Because you can never have too much garlic.
- Crisp Caesar Salad – A little crunch and tang to balance the creaminess.
- Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
FAQs About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh. You can prep the shrimp and garlic in advance, but the sauce is creamiest when made and served right away.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Is it spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning — the base recipe is flavorful, not spicy.
Final Thoughts: Make This Tonight
If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, creamy, garlicky, and satisfying, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is calling your name. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent without being fussy, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a regular in my dinner rotation.
Whether you’re feeding guests or just spoiling yourself on a Tuesday night, you seriously can’t go wrong with this one.
