Dreamy Silky Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy spaghetti with shrimp in a luscious cream sauce tantalizes taste buds with every delectable bite.

Seafood enthusiasts adore this elegant pasta dish that blends succulent shrimp and velvety sauce.

Rich flavors dance across the plate, creating a symphony of textures and aromas.

Each strand of spaghetti wraps around plump, tender shrimp in a dreamy embrace.

The sauce comes together with simple ingredients that transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Bold yet delicate, this recipe promises restaurant-quality dining at home.

Savor every forkful of this irresistible culinary creation that will leave you craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamy Shrimp Pasta Ingredient Rundown

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian noodle that provides the perfect foundation for capturing the creamy sauce and holding onto delicate shrimp flavors.

• Shrimp: Sweet, tender ocean delicacy that adds a luxurious protein element and brings a delightful marine freshness to the dish. Choose fresh, deveined shrimp for convenience and clean flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Silky smooth base that creates a rich, velvety texture and binds all ingredients together with decadent goodness.
• Butter: Adds depth, richness, and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce with a subtle golden undertone.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses the entire dish with warm, pungent notes and classic Mediterranean character.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and provides a nutty complexity to the sauce.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies and balances all other flavor profiles in the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and subtle spiciness, enhancing the overall taste sensation.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous garnish that brings a fresh, clean finish and vibrant green color to the plate.

Tools to Sauté and Simmer Shrimp Just Right

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti with plenty of water.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cup: Helps reserve exact amount of pasta water for sauce.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for sautéing shrimp and creating creamy sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for any potential shrimp preparation or ingredient chopping.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients safely.

Cook Spaghetti in a Luscious Cream Sauce

• Kick Off the Pasta Cooking

Drop spaghetti into a pot of bubbling, salted water and let it dance until perfectly tender. Before draining, scoop out a splash of the starchy cooking liquid – this secret weapon will help your sauce later.

• Sauté the Seafood

Heat a skillet with a glug of olive oil and introduce the shrimp to some sizzling action. Cook them quickly until they turn a gorgeous pink and curl up, which takes just a few minutes. Remove these delicate beauties and set aside.

• Build the Creamy Base

In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic, letting it bloom with fragrant intensity. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently, creating a luxurious backdrop for your dish. Sprinkle in some Parmesan cheese to add depth and richness.

• Bring Everything Together

Slide the shrimp back into the creamy sauce, then toss in the cooked spaghetti. Use that reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling perfectly to each strand. Give everything a loving mix so every bite is loaded with flavor.

• Final Flourish

Garnish with fresh parsley and a quick grind of black pepper. Serve immediately while the sauce is still steaming and the shrimp are succulent and warm.

Tips for That Garlic-Lemon Finish

• Save that starchy cooking liquid to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every strand of spaghetti.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming, which can make them rubbery.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, creamy goodness.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a zesty kick that transforms this classic dish into a more adventurous meal.
• Use zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serve Hot with Parmesan and Herbs

• Pasta Paradise Plating: Serve this creamy shrimp spaghetti in wide, shallow white bowls to showcase the beautiful sauce and perfectly cooked seafood.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a burst of color and vibrant herbal aroma that complements the rich cream sauce.
• Wine Pairing: Accompany the dish with a crisp, chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will beautifully cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the delicate shrimp flavor.
• Textural Crunch Boost: Garnish with toasted breadcrumbs or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a delightful textural contrast and a hint of extra excitement to each bite.

Store for a Rich Reheat Meal

• Store leftover spaghetti with shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature before sealing in a container, which helps prevent condensation and keeps the sauce's creamy texture intact.
• Warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery during reheating.
• Enjoy refrigerated spaghetti with shrimp cream sauce within 1-2 days for the best taste and quality, ensuring the seafood remains safe and delicious.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta. Each type will work well with the creamy shrimp sauce.

• How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?

Shrimp cooks quickly and turns pink and slightly curled when done. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

• Is this dish spicy?

The basic recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to give it a kick if you want some heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.

• Can I make this recipe with frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure better searing.

Silky Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti with shrimp in a luxurious sauce promises pure Italian coastal comfort. Classic ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering rich flavors that transport diners directly to Mediterranean shores.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
• 10 oz (300 g) spaghetti
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsps parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Water (for boiling)
• Salt (for pasta water)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, then cook spaghetti until al dente, stirring intermittently to prevent clumping. Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Shrimp Searing: Thoroughly dry shrimp and season. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, quickly sauté shrimp until golden and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a warm plate.
3. Sauce Creation: Reduce skillet heat to medium, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, blending with reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like parsley or basil.
4. Final Assembly: Toss cooked spaghetti in the cream sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Reintroduce seared shrimp to the skillet, gently warming and integrating flavors. Plate immediately and garnish with freshly grated parmesan and chopped herbs for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Manage Moisture for Shrimp: Pat shrimp completely dry to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Control Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti al dente, reserving starchy pasta water to create silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats noodles.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta water to cream sauce, adjusting thickness without compromising rich, creamy flavor.
• Prevent Overcooking Seafood: Sauté shrimp quickly at high heat for 2-3 minutes maximum, removing immediately to maintain tender, succulent texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg