Quick and Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Quick and Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. Featuring tender shrimp sautéed in buttery garlic sauce and combined with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this dish pairs perfectly with fettuccine or linguine for a satisfying seafood pasta experience that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
Shrimp and Cooking Fats
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 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
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, 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, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve the creamy shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if preferred.
- For extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
