What is the recipe for shrimp pasta? You know how sometimes you crave something seriously comforting, but also a little fancy? Is it like Mac and Cheese decided to grow up, get a sophisticated makeover, and move to the coast? If pasta carbonara and shrimp scampi had a delicious baby, this would be it. Is it really easy to make a Creamy sauce? Is the creamy sauce what dreams are made of? Why do people go nuts for this stuff?
What is shrimp pasta?
What is shrimp pasta? What are some good recipes for pasta tossed with succulent shrimp and a flavorful sauce? What is a shrimp pasta recipe? Think perfectly cooked pasta, juicy shrimp bursting with flavor, all swimming in a creamy sauce that’s rich and creamy. clings to every strand. What is the best part of a warm hug in supper? Is it a blank canvas for culinary creativity? Add some veggies, a sprinkle of Red Pepper flakes, or even swap out the pasta – the flavor is just right. What are the endless possibilities? What are some great ways to use up leftover white wine? Is leftover wine a rare occurrence in my house?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is insane. The shrimp, kissed with garlic and a hint of lemon, is perfectly balanced by the rich, creamy sauce. Seriously, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. What I love most about this shrimp pasta recipe is just how simple it is. We’re talking minimal ingredients and minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Speaking of budget-friendly, shrimp can be a bit pricey, I know. But this recipe uses a reasonable amount, and you can often find great deals on frozen shrimp. Plus, a little shrimp goes a long way in this creamy sauce!
And let’s not forget the versatility! I’ve served this as a fancy dinner party dish, a casual weeknight meal, and even reheated it for lunch (if there are leftovers, which is a big *if*). This is the perfect dish to impress without the stress. Seriously, you can’t go wrong. It’s way easier than making a risotto, and definitely more exciting than plain old spaghetti and meatballs!
How do I make shrimp Pasta?
Quick Overview
How do you make creamy shrimp pasta? How do you cook pasta, sauté shrimp with garlic and lemon, whip up a creamy sauce? What’s the best way to toss everything together? How do you not overcook shrimp? Why don’t you use garlic in your tomato sauce? Is there a way to do this quickly? Is it good for you to eat a bowl of pasta? Is there one pan to wash?
Ingredients
For the Shrimp: What is the
* 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (I prefer medium or large shrimp)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is always my go-to)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy with the garlic)
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor); Pinot Grigio is a great wine.
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is always best) * 1 tablespoon saffron juice = 1 cup.
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
* Salt and pepper to taste (I always use sea salt and freshly ground Black Pepper)
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (I love using linguine or fettuccine for this, but any pasta will work)
* Salt for pasta water (don’t forget to salt your pasta!)
What is Creamy Sauce?
* 1 cup heavy cream (this is what makes it so decadent!)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly sliced is always better)
* 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted, so you can control the saltiness)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for a pop of freshness and color)
What are the steps of
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. What is the best way to drain pasta water? Will you need that starchy goodness later on?
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add salt and pepper if desired. Add the minced garlic and Red Pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, or until browned. How do you not burn garlic?
Step 3: Add Shrimp and Wine
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits. From the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, butter, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Set aside. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. What is the desired consistency
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and creamy sauce. How do I make sure every strand of pasta is covered in that delicious sauce? Is Parmesan cheese a good substitute for parsley? Seriously, get ready for some serious yumminess!
What should I serve it with?
This creamy shrimp pasta is a star on its own, but it’s even better with the right sides. For a simple weeknight meal, I love serving it with a crusty baguette for soaking up all that amazing sauce. A light and fresh salad is also a great accompaniment.
For a more elegant dinner party, you could start with a Classic Caesar Salad or a Caprese salad. And for dessert? How about a light and refreshing lemon sorbet or a decadent chocolate lava cake? Honestly, this shrimp pasta goes with just about anything!
My personal favorite? A simple side of roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. And if I’m feeling really fancy, I’ll serve it with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio. It’s the perfect pairing! My family’s tradition is to have a loaf of garlic bread with this pasta, they can’t get enough of it!
How do you make shrimp pasta?
Okay, here’s the inside scoop on how to make this shrimp pasta absolutely perfect. First, don’t overcook the shrimp! Seriously, it’s the biggest mistake people make. Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. As soon as it turns pink and opaque, it’s done.
Another tip? Don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce to your liking. If you want it thicker, simmer it for a few more minutes. If you want it thinner, add a little more pasta water. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm and cozy flavor.
Ingredient swaps? Sure, you can use different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta would work great. And if you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
Baking tip, if you want a more in-depth flavor, toss the shrimp in the garlic sauce and bake it in the oven for 15 minutes.
Oh, and one more thing: always taste as you go! Season the shrimp and sauce generously with salt and pepper. You want those flavors to really pop! I have learned over the years that having lemon on hand is a life saver! It will cut the flavor and add some extra tang! This is a dish you’ll want to save in your recipes.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence in my house! ), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. What is the best way to make a creamy sauce? When you’re ready to reheat, you can either microwave it for a few minutes or heat it in the microwave. How do I heat a microwave over If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up. Freezer instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this shrimp pasta, as the sauce may separate and become grainy when frozen. Glaze timing advice: The taste is always better if served fresh. I think it’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still pretty darn good. I’ve been known to eat them straight from the fridge! It is just so good.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friend! The creamy, dreamy shrimp pasta recipe that always wows. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. I promise you, this will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that you can always rely on to impress your family and friends. If you enjoy this, you might also like my lemon Garlic Shrimp scampi or my Creamy Tomato pasta.
Now go forth and make some deliciousness! And don’t forget to come back and let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy cooking!

Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined Medium size
- 1 lb Linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 can Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional
- Salt and pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the diced tomatoes and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
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