Luxurious Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe That’s Ready in a Flash

Seafood lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering creamy shrimp pasta recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender, succulent shrimp dance through silky strands of perfectly cooked pasta.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of rich, velvety sauce and delicate seafood flavors.

The ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Fresh herbs and a touch of garlic add depth and complexity to this irresistible dish.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions call for this simple yet impressive pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into a plate of pure comfort and indulgence that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Tools for Saucy Shrimp Pasta Dishes

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Large skillet: Perfect for searing shrimp and making creamy sauce.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring pasta and mixing sauce.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for measuring pasta water and ingredients.
• Grater: Used for zesting lemon and creating fresh Parmesan shavings.
• Sharp knife: Required for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning shrimp during cooking.

Making Creamy Shrimp Pasta the Easy Way

• Pasta Preparation

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook fettuccine until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Keep some pasta water for later magic.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Create golden-brown shrimp in a hot pan with a splash of olive oil. Each piece should turn a beautiful light orange and feel tender to the touch.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Melt butter and gently sauté garlic until its aroma fills the kitchen. Pour in rich cream and sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

• Final Fusion

Combine pasta and shrimp in the luxurious sauce. Brighten the dish with fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of citrus. Scatter chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Taste and adjust the seasoning to make it sing with flavor.

Shrimp Pasta Cooking Tips for Flavor Boost

• The starchy reserved pasta water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of fettuccine. Add gradually to control thickness.
• Swap shrimp with succulent scallops or tender chicken for a delightful protein twist. Adjust cooking times to ensure each protein cooks perfectly.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for a zesty kick. Fresh cracked black pepper also brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Toss in sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or grilled asparagus to add nutritious color and extra texture to your pasta dish. Fresh vegetables brighten the entire meal.
• Prepare the sauce in advance and store separately from pasta. Reheat gently and combine just before serving to maintain the perfect creamy consistency and prevent separation.

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Pasta at Its Best

• Elegant Date Night Dining: Impress your special someone with this restaurant-quality pasta that looks sophisticated yet feels intimate and warm.
• Weeknight Gourmet Hack: Transform an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure by preparing this quick and luxurious meal in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
• Coastal Dinner Party Centerpiece: Serve this creamy shrimp pasta as a show-stopping main course that brings Mediterranean coastal vibes directly to your dining table, making guests feel transported to a seaside restaurant.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the delicate seafood and bright lemon notes.

Keeping Shrimp Pasta Smooth When Stored

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Gently warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or cream to restore its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sauce separation and ensure even heating.
• Freezing Wisdom: While cream-based sauces can slightly separate when frozen, you can store this dish for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, whisking to recombine the sauce.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare shrimp and sauce components separately for easier storage. Keep cooked shrimp and sauce in separate containers, combining just before serving to maintain the freshest flavor and most appealing texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 715 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Creamy Shrimp Pasta

• Fettuccine Pasta: Wide, flat noodles perfect for clinging to creamy sauces, choose fresh or high-quality dried pasta for best texture.

• Jumbo Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that cooks quickly and adds elegant protein, select wild-caught or responsibly farmed for best flavor.

• Garlic, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon: Garlic provides aromatic depth, Parmesan delivers sharp tangy richness, and lemon brightens the entire dish with zesty freshness.

• Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil: Cream creates silky texture, butter adds luxurious richness, olive oil helps prevent burning and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Kosher Salt: Essential for layering flavor throughout cooking process, helps season shrimp and balance dish's richness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds vibrant color and fresh herbaceous note, completely optional but provides beautiful visual and flavor contrast.

Irresistible Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Shrimp Pasta promises a delightful journey through Italian-inspired flavors. Silky sauce, tender shrimp, and al dente pasta combine for a restaurant-quality meal you can savor at home.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) raw peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 per pound), thawed if frozen
• 1 lb (454 g) dried fettuccine pasta
• 1.5 oz (43 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 medium lemon
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1.75 tsps kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more as needed
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large salted water pot to a vigorous boil, then immerse fettuccine, stirring occasionally and cooking slightly under the recommended al dente time. Reserve a measuring cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Shrimp Searing: Pat shrimp dry, season with kosher salt. Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering, then sear shrimp in batches until golden and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauce Development: In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter until foamy. Add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and lightly golden. Pour heavy cream, whisking in Parmesan cheese until smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Pasta Integration: Fold cooked fettuccine into the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
5. Final Touches: Incorporate seared shrimp, sprinkle lemon zest, and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serving: Plate immediately while pasta remains hot and sauce maintains its creamy texture, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal dining experience.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of fettuccine.
• Shrimp Searing Secrets: Cook shrimp in batches to ensure golden, caramelized edges without steaming or overcrowding the pan, which prevents proper browning.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Gradually whisk Parmesan into warm cream to prevent clumping and create a smooth, velvety sauce that blends seamlessly with the pasta.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Add parsley and lemon zest at the very end to preserve their bright flavors and aromatic qualities, giving the dish a fresh, vibrant finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 715
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 489 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg