Description

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish made with tender shrimp, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

12 oz (340g) pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)

1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the sauce thickens. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
Serve the pasta on plates, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half for a less rich sauce.

To add more flavor and texture, consider adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheat the pasta with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 180mg