This creamy garlic parmesan shrimp pasta is the perfect comfort food! With tender shrimp and creamy sauce, it’s rich and satisfying. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weekday dinner!
I can’t resist this dish—it’s like a hug in a bowl. I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and I sometimes add a side of garlic bread. Yum! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using linguine for its perfect bite and ability to hold the creamy sauce. Fettuccine is another great choice. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try using rice pasta or zucchini noodles.
Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp makes this dish shine. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp works well too. Just make sure to thaw it properly. You can even swap shrimp for chicken or a vegetable like asparagus for a twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that robust flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will work, but you’ll miss out on that fresh taste. I’d also recommend adding more garlic if you’re a fan!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives that velvety texture, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference! If you run out, Pecorino Romano is a tasty substitute. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free option as well.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Creating the creamy sauce is all about timing and temperature. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, sauté garlic until fragrant but don’t let it brown. This can happen quickly, so keep an eye on it!
- When adding heavy cream, make sure your heat is not too high to prevent it from curdling.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually, letting it melt fully before adding more. This ensures a super smooth sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little pasta water or more of your chicken broth or wine—just a splash will do!
Remember, taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper at the end to get your perfect flavor. Enjoy making your creamy garlic Parmesan shrimp pasta! 🍝
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional for Deglazing:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and shrimp, plus about 15-20 minutes on the sauce. It’s fast enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough for a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then cook the linguine or fettuccine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside for later.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—watch it closely!
4. Deglaze the Pan:
If you’d like, add the chicken broth or white wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits left from the shrimp. Simmer this mixture until it reduces by half for extra flavor.
5. Create the Creamy Base:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, lower the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Season the Sauce:
Now, season the creamy sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re looking for a little spice.
7. Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly in the creamy sauce. Remove from heat.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top and serve immediately. Feel free to pass extra Parmesan at the table for those who like a little more!
Now you can dig in and enjoy your creamy garlic Parmesan shrimp pasta! It’s delicious, easy to make, and sure to impress anyone at your dining table. Bon appétit! 🍝
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or cashew cream, but keep in mind these will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to creamy sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the sauce and shrimp in advance. Store them separately from the pasta in the fridge for up to 2 days, and then quickly combine and heat when you’re ready to serve!