This Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta is a delight! With tender shrimp and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner. You’ll love how quick it comes together!
I whip this up when I need dinner fast. The smell makes everyone gather around the table! Just boil pasta, sauté shrimp, mix in some cream, and you’re ready to eat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using linguine for its ability to hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to swap in any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or spaghetti. Gluten-free pasta works too, just adjust cooking time.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best for flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp works great. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. If shrimp is not your thing, you could try chicken or even veggies like mushrooms.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the dish its creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter alternative, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Just note that the sauce may not be as thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds wonderful flavor. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute if you want something a bit sharper. Nutritional yeast is great for a vegan option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder can work. If you love garlic, you can always add an extra clove!
How Do I Get My Shrimp Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky because they cook quickly! Follow these steps for perfect shrimp:
- Start with a hot skillet and use medium heat. This cooks the shrimp evenly.
- Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook, or they’ll become rubbery.
- Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re done. Letting them sit in the skillet can lead to overcooking.
Using this technique, you’ll get that tender, juicy shrimp in your creamy pasta every time!
Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes on prep and cooking the pasta and shrimp, plus another 10 minutes to make the creamy sauce and combine everything. Quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will create a nice base for your sauce!
5. Mix in Parmesan:
Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir it in well until the cheese melts and the sauce slightly thickens. It should look creamy and delicious!
6. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the lemon juice. Stir everything together so the shrimp is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Toss with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss it all together. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy shrimp sauce. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, plate the pasta and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, proceed with the recipe as usual!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter option or use a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version. The sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still taste great!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or more cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli to the dish for a boost of flavor and nutrients. Just cook the vegetables in the skillet before adding the shrimp!
