Sizzling Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Simmering with zesty garlic shrimp pasta promises an instant culinary adventure that will spark excitement at your dinner table.

Mediterranean influences dance through this quick and elegant dish, promising maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Succulent shrimp nestle among silky strands of perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of textures.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of garlic’s sharp warmth and seafood’s delicate sweetness.

Crisp herbs and bright lemon notes provide an unexpected twist that makes this recipe anything but ordinary.

Rich, creamy, and packed with protein, you can confidently serve this meal knowing it will impress even the most discerning palates.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why Garlic Shrimp Pasta Shines

• Customize the dish by adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes or adding vegetables like spinach and cherry tomatoes to suit different taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Create a creamy, restaurant-style pasta dish using simple ingredients and techniques that elevate everyday cooking, making you feel like a gourmet chef without complicated steps.
• Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious meal, saving time on both preparation and washing dishes afterward.

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Pasta You’ll Need

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the primary protein, best when fresh and deveined. Wild-caught or large shrimp work wonderfully.

• Pasta: Holds the sauce and provides hearty texture, preferably a type that catches sauce well like linguine or fettuccine.

• Garlic: Adds robust flavor and depth to the sauce, fresh cloves are most flavorful.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for the sauce, adds depth and silkiness.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid foundation and additional savory notes.
• Heavy Cream: Gives luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright color and light herbal finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that contributes sharp, salty complement.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides subtle underlying flavor.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps bind sauce and pasta together.

How to Cook Garlic Shrimp Pasta Easily

Step 1: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta while keeping some pasta water for later. Set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

• Olive oil
• Butter

Heat skillet with oil and butter over medium heat. Drop in shrimp and cook until they turn pink and look opaque. This takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Toss in garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir quickly to prevent burning. Add chicken broth and scrape pan edges to capture all delicious bits. Let broth simmer and reduce slightly.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to gentle simmer and let sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Shrimp

Combine pasta and shrimp into creamy sauce. Toss everything together. If sauce feels thick, splash some reserved pasta water. Cook for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Optional: Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra deliciousness. Enjoy immediately!

Kitchen Tips for Garlic Shrimp Pasta Success

• Prevent Garlic Burning: Cook garlic on medium-low heat and stir constantly to avoid bitter, burnt flavor that can ruin the entire sauce.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some pasta water before draining, as its starchy liquid helps create a silky, well-blended sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
• Shrimp Cooking Precision: Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring tender and juicy seafood.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference, adding more for extra kick or omitting completely for a milder dish.
• Quick Meal Hack: Prep ingredients beforehand like mincing garlic and chopping parsley to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Keep Garlic Shrimp Pasta Fresh After Serving

• Store leftover garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pasta remains good for 1-2 months.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What Goes Great with Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Select crisp, citrusy white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the garlic shrimp's delicate seafood flavor and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or dill alongside the dish to enhance the shrimp's natural sweetness and add bright, aromatic notes that dance with the garlic undertones.
• Serve warm, crusty French baguette or garlic bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional garlicky goodness.
• Pour a chilled, light beer like a Belgian-style wheat ale or pilsner that cleanses the palate and balances the dish's rich, creamy components with its crisp, effervescent character.

Different Flavors to Try in Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Spicy Seafood Mix: Replace shrimp with a combination of calamari, scallops, and mussels for a seafood medley that packs extra ocean flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Path: Swap shrimp with roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu cubes, maintaining the creamy garlic sauce while creating a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto and gluten-free diets.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Choice: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free version that keeps the rich, creamy texture.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic shrimp pasta brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with its luscious blend of tender shrimp and silky sauce. Sophisticated yet simple, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor that welcomes you to savor each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, preserving a small portion of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Prepare a large skillet by heating olive oil and butter over medium temperature. Carefully introduce shrimp, cooking each side until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, melt remaining butter and introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Toast aromatics for roughly 60 seconds, ensuring garlic does not burn, releasing its rich fragrance throughout the pan.
4. Deglaze the skillet by pouring chicken broth, meticulously scraping any caramelized bits from the bottom. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce, concentrating the underlying flavors for 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate heavy cream, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Gently simmer the sauce, allowing it to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency for approximately 3-4 minutes.
6. Return shrimp to the skillet, introducing the drained pasta. Thoroughly coat each strand and seafood morsel with the creamy garlic sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
7. Finish the dish by removing from heat and garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for an additional layer of savory complexity.

Notes

• Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp for maximum flavor and tender texture.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats the noodles.
• Quickly cook shrimp to prevent rubbery texture, watching for the pink and opaque color change.
• Be careful not to burn garlic, as it turns bitter and can ruin the entire sauce’s delicate flavor profile.
• Adjust cream sauce thickness with reserved pasta water for ideal consistency.
• Gluten-free option: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Dairy-free modification: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter version.
• Low-carb alternative: Use spiralized vegetables or shirataki noodles instead of traditional pasta.
• Enhance protein by adding additional seafood like scallops or small chunks of white fish.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flake quantity to suit personal spice preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg