Go Back

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

A rich and creamy dish combining shrimp with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for cozy dinners and impressing guests with minimal effort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti use fresh for an even more luscious texture
Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter adds a rich base flavor to the sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced the aromatic star that brings this dish to life
  • 1 cup heavy cream ensures a velvety smooth sauce that clings to each pasta strand
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated choose fresh for maximum flavor impact
  • ¼ cup parsley, chopped adds a pop of color and freshness; use basil for a twist
  • Salt to taste; enhances all the flavors
  • Black pepper to taste; freshly cracked is the best for a subtle kick
Shrimp
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined fresh shrimp creates the best taste and texture

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti and cook until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
Making the Sauce
  1. While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes — be careful not to let it burn!
  2. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream gradually, stirring well to combine with the garlic and butter. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, thickening while you stir.
  3. Stir in 1 cup of grated fresh Parmesan cheese, keeping the heat low. Mix until the cheese melts into a luscious sauce, creating that creamy consistency.
  4. Toss in 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, roughly 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
Combining and Serving
  1. Drain your pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss everything together, coating the pasta with that delicious creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
  2. Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, then add ¼ cup of chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
  3. Plate the pasta and shrimp, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy, perfect for cozy dining!

Notes

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to help regain its creamy texture. Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly. Customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more cream as needed.