Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish. It solves the problem of dinner decisions with one pot. After making this many times, I know the secret to perfect texture. Creamy and satisfying, this dish brings the restaurant experience home. Try my Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole for another creamy option. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole Easy Weeknight Dinner and Quick Potsticker Noodle Bowl with Pork and Crunchy Slaw.
Why This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Is Pure Comfort
- Rich and creamy sauce
- Simple ingredients
- Quick to make
- Perfect for families
What You'll Need for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: Lemon zest
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp for best results.
- Heavy cream: Avoid using low-fat cream to keep the sauce rich.
- Chicken broth: Use homemade or low-sodium broth for better flavor.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Non-stick skillet — Prevents shrimp from sticking and ensures even cooking. → See on Amazon
- Fine grater — Grates Parmesan evenly for better flavor distribution. → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add fettuccine and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Step 4: Bring to a simmer, then add shrimp, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Stir until sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with parsley if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin, add a splash of cream or reduce it further.
- Common mistake and fix: Shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked. Cook only until pink and opaque.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Make the sauce up to 2 days in advance.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in 30-second increments until warm.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Best substitution: If you don’t have heavy cream, use a mix of milk and butter.
- Make-ahead: Make the sauce ahead and finish with shrimp when ready to serve.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of broth to thin it.
Want to level up this recipe?
Lid for pot — Helps retain heat and keeps the sauce from evaporating too quickly. → Check price on Amazon
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add fettuccine and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Step 4: Bring to a simmer, then add shrimp, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Stir until sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Best substitution: If you don’t have heavy cream, use a mix of milk and butter.
- Make-ahead: Make the sauce ahead and finish with shrimp when ready to serve.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of broth to thin it.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second increments until warm.
- Make ahead: Make the sauce up to 2 days in advance.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 11g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta FAQs
Yes, make the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Add shrimp and finish cooking when ready to serve.
If the sauce is too thin, add a splash of cream or reduce it further on the stove.
Yes, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, substitute shrimp with button mushrooms or tofu for a meat-free version.
Use a mix of milk and butter for a lighter version, but keep in mind the flavor will be different.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
