![- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese The main ingredients create a rich and tasty meal. Fettuccine or spaghetti works well for this dish. I love using large shrimp for their sweet flavor and firm texture. Garlic is key, giving the pasta its delicious aroma. Heavy cream makes everything creamy and smooth. Broth adds depth to the sauce, while cherry tomatoes bring freshness. Finally, the Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, tying all the flavors together. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Olive oil is perfect for sautéing garlic and shrimp. It adds a fruity note to the dish. Red pepper flakes can bring a little heat, but it's optional. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. You can adjust seasoning to match your taste, making this dish truly yours. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. To start, you need to cook the pasta. Use a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring the water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. After that, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. After cooking, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Allow them to warm through for about 2 minutes. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy sauce. Finally, combine the pasta with the shrimp and sauce in the skillet. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy garlic shrimp pasta! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To know when shrimp are cooked, look for their color. They should turn pink and opaque. The shrimp should also curl into a tight "C" shape. This takes about 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat. Avoid overcooking by removing them from the heat once they turn pink. They continue to cook after you remove them, so don’t leave them in the pan. For the perfect creamy texture, use heavy cream. It thickens well and adds richness. Stir in the cheese slowly to mix it in without clumping. You can also add cream cheese for an extra kick. For added flavor, try using fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A touch of lemon juice can brighten the dish as well. Serve creamy garlic shrimp pasta with a light salad or garlic bread. A crisp green salad pairs well and balances the creaminess. For wine, choose a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It complements the shrimp nicely. To make your plate look beautiful, twirl the pasta into nests. Top it with shrimp and a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can make creamy garlic shrimp pasta work for your needs. Here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-free pasta alternatives: Try using rice noodles or gluten-free penne. Many stores offer tasty options that cook well. - Dairy-free options for cream and cheese: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can add fun flavors to your dish. Here are some ideas: - Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers: Toss in some fresh spinach or sliced bell peppers. They add color and nutrition to your meal. - Using different proteins like chicken or scallops: Swap shrimp for chicken breast or scallops. Both options cook nicely in the creamy sauce. Feel free to play with the sauce. Here are some tasty suggestions: - Creating a spicy version with more red pepper flakes: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. It gives the dish a nice kick. - Using pesto or marinara as a base: Try using pesto for a fresh taste. Marinara adds a classic touch that can change the whole dish. For the full recipe, check out the section above. To keep your creamy garlic shrimp pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors locked in. You can place it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it lasts for about two months. Just remember to label it with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is key. The best way is to use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream. This will help keep it moist. Stir it gently to warm through. Avoid using the microwave if you can. Microwaving can lead to rubbery shrimp, which is not tasty. If you must use a microwave, heat for short bursts. This will help prevent overcooking. Enjoy your creamy garlic shrimp pasta like it’s fresh! I love using fettuccine or spaghetti for creamy garlic shrimp pasta. Both types hold the sauce well. Fettuccine gives a nice, rich bite, while spaghetti adds a fun twist. You can also use linguine or any pasta you enjoy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quick thawing. If using frozen shrimp, cook them a bit longer to ensure they are fully heated. To add spice, sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers while cooking. For a smoky kick, try a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust to your taste for the perfect heat level. Absolutely! You can replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For creaminess, try coconut milk or cashew cream. This version is just as tasty and satisfying! Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for all the details. In this blog post, we explored creamy garlic shrimp pasta. You learned about the main and additional ingredients needed, with tips on cooking and serving. I shared ways to perfect your shrimp, achieve creaminess, and offered variations for dietary needs. Remember, you can easily adjust flavors or swap pasta types. Enjoy crafting your tasty dish. With these steps, you'll impress everyone at the table. Now, go ahead and try it for yourself!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03dab2d1-a9ec-4f10-b049-e43d4834108a-250x250.webp)
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in a delightful Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta that's quick and bursting with flavor! With perfectly cooked shrimp, luscious heavy cream, and a hint of garlic, this dish is a must-try for any pasta lover. It's easy to whip up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.