Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

There are few dishes that achieve the same level of universal comfort and indulgence as pasta. And when it comes to rich, crowd-pleasing combinations, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta stands among the greats. With its tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a silky, garlicky cream sauce that clings to every strand, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party and easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Whether you’re a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving something luxurious, this dish satisfies on all fronts. It’s rich but balanced, garlicky without overpowering, and offers endless room for personalization—from your choice of pasta to the herbs and cheeses that round out the sauce.

Garlic and cream have long been partners in culinary crime—when paired with shrimp, they bring out its natural sweetness and tenderness. The result is a dish that feels both elevated and deeply comforting. This kind of pasta is what we might call “restaurant-quality,” yet it’s surprisingly simple to make at home, requiring just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes of active cooking time.

One of the secrets to this dish’s success is balance. A great cream sauce is about more than just heavy cream—it’s about layering garlic properly, seasoning confidently, and adding small touches like lemon juice or parmesan to cut through the richness. The shrimp must be handled delicately so they remain tender and juicy rather than rubbery. And the pasta? It must be cooked just to al dente, then finished in the sauce so every bite is fully infused with flavor.

In this in-depth recipe, we’re going far beyond basic instructions. We’ll break down each element of the dish—from how to properly clean and cook shrimp, to the art of emulsifying a creamy sauce without breaking it. We’ll explore different types of pasta, offer substitutions and customizations, and troubleshoot common mistakes so you can cook this dish with confidence.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this guide will give you everything you need to master one of the most delicious shrimp pasta dishes out there. Ready to dive in? Let’s break down the ingredients before we move into the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Gather and Prepare All Ingredients (Mise en Place)

Before you turn on a single burner, take time to set up your cooking station. With shrimp cooking in mere minutes and cream sauces prone to scorching if neglected, prep work is essential. Here’s what you should do:

You’ll need:

• Large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails optional)

• Garlic (fresh cloves, finely minced or thinly sliced)

• Butter and olive oil (for balanced flavor and searing)

• Pasta (linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne)

• Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

• Salt and black pepper

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Lemon juice (for brightness)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Prep Tips:

• Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Wet shrimp steam instead of sear.

• Mince garlic ahead of time. Use 4–6 cloves for a bold flavor.

• Grate Parmesan finely and measure before starting. Pre-shredded cheese can lead to a gritty sauce.

• Zest and juice your lemon ahead of time to finish the dish with a bright touch.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Start with the pasta so it’s ready to be added into the sauce later.

A. Salt Your Water Heavily

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

• Add a generous handful of kosher salt—it should taste like the sea.

• Do not add oil, as it will coat the pasta and prevent sauce from clinging later.

B. Cook Until Al Dente

• Drop in your pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking.

• Cook 1–2 minutes shorter than the package instructions suggest. This is because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce.

• Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Properly cooked shrimp are juicy, slightly firm, and full of flavor. Here’s how to nail the texture and taste:

A. Season Generously

• Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or chili flakes for mild heat.

• Let them rest while your pan heats.

B. Use the Right Pan

• Use a large, stainless steel or nonstick skillet. You want enough surface area to avoid overcrowding.

C. Heat Oil and Butter

• Over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.

• Allow it to heat until shimmering and just starting to brown.

D. Sear in Batches

• Add shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

• Cook undisturbed for 1½ to 2 minutes on the first side. When ready, they’ll release from the pan easily and show a golden color.

• Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

• Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside in a bowl, tented with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

With the fond (flavor bits) left in the pan, you’re now creating the heart of the dish—the creamy garlic sauce.

A. Lower the Heat

• Reduce heat to medium-low. This prevents burning delicate ingredients like garlic and cream.

B. Add Butter and Garlic

• Melt 1 more tablespoon of butter, then add your minced garlic (4–6 cloves).

• Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You want it fragrant and golden—not browned or bitter.

C. Deglaze (Optional but Flavorful)

• For an extra dimension, add a splash of dry white wine or chicken broth (about ¼ cup).

• Scrape up the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.

D. Add Cream

• Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream slowly.

• Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.

E. Add Cheese and Seasonings

• Stir in ½ to ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

• Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).

• Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice to cut the richness and brighten the flavor.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

With the sauce thickened and flavored, it’s time to bring the dish together.

A. Add Cooked Pasta to the Sauce

• Toss your nearly al dente pasta directly into the sauce.

• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

• Cook over low heat, tossing frequently, for 1–2 minutes. The pasta will finish cooking and absorb the sauce.

B. Return Shrimp to the Pan

• Add the cooked shrimp and any juices back to the pan.

• Toss gently to coat the shrimp and pasta fully.

• Taste for seasoning—adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Now for the final touches to elevate this dish to restaurant-level presentation.

A. Garnish

• Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

• Add an optional grating of Parmesan and a final twist of black pepper.

B. Serve Immediately

• Serve the pasta hot, directly from the pan to plate.

• Optionally, serve with crusty garlic bread or a light green salad on the side.

Plating Tip: Twirl the pasta with tongs into a neat mound in a shallow bowl, then arrange shrimp artfully around or on top.