Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe (Print Version)
Creamy garlic shrimp pasta ready in 25 minutes. High-protein, restaurant-quality dinner with tender shrimp in a rich garlic cream sauce.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Halal
# Ingredients:
→ Silky Garlic Cream Sauce
01 -
4 tbsp unsalted butter
02 -
6 cloves garlic, minced
03 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
04 -
3/4 cup chicken broth
05 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 -
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
→ Tender Herb-Seasoned Shrimp
07 -
1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
08 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
09 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
10 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Al Dente Pasta Base
11 -
12 oz linguine pasta
12 -
1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
→ Fresh Finish & Aromatics
13 -
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
14 -
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
15 -
1 tsp lemon zest
16 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tbsp kosher salt — this is your only chance to season the pasta itself. Cook 12 oz linguine according to package directions until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
02 -
Pat 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp dry with paper towels — this ensures a perfect sear. Toss shrimp evenly with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Dry, well-seasoned shrimp are the protein backbone of this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Quick Protein-Packed Meal.
03 -
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted and foamy, add 6 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 60–90 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden. Do not let the garlic brown or it will turn bitter and overpower your sauce.
05 -
Pour in 3/4 cup chicken broth and let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This silky base is what makes this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Quick Protein-Packed Meal so irresistible.
06 -
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
07 -
Add the drained linguine directly into the skillet and toss well to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. Return the seared shrimp to the pan and gently fold them in. For the best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Quick Protein-Packed Meal, make sure every element is evenly distributed before finishing.
08 -
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately — this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Quick Protein-Packed Meal is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Cooking Tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, which can leave your sauce grainy instead of silky.
02 -
🥶 Storage Advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce — avoid microwaving, which can make the shrimp rubbery.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Tips: No heavy cream on hand? Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be slightly less rich. Chicken broth can be swapped for dry white wine like Pinot Grigio for a more complex, restaurant-style depth of flavor.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil makes a bright, peppery side that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large pot
02 -
large skillet or sauté pan
03 -
colander
04 -
wooden spoon
05 -
cheese grater
06 -
measuring cups and spoons
07 -
cutting board
08 -
chef's knife
09 -
tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 780 kcal
Total Fat: 42 g
Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
Protein: 48 g