Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A luxurious dish featuring succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a velvety cream sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Shrimp, fresh or frozen Offer a mild sweetness
- 8 oz Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine) Absorbs the sauce well
- 1 cup Heavy cream or half-and-half Provides a rich texture
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced Adds aroma and flavor
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Salt For enhancing flavor
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes For a kick of heat
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish and freshness
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 cups Spinach Quickly wilts for added nutrition
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved Adds color and sweetness
- 1 cup Mushrooms, sautéed Adds earthiness
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and let it simmer on low for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything with the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in chopped parsley for freshness.
Serving
- Plate the pasta and top with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot.
Notes
Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Customize with seasonal vegetables to enhance nutrition.