If you have a thing for rich, comforting dishes that come together quickly yet feel truly special, this Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is sure to become your new favorite weeknight staple. Tender shrimp coated in a luxuriously smooth, garlicky sauce with velvety cream cheese and parmesan meld perfectly with al dente fettuccine, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers on both taste and elegance without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the perfectly cooked shrimp to the creamy, cheesy sauce, every component adds flavor, richness, and color to the plate.
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto that luscious sauce with every forkful.
- 1 lb raw deveined shrimp: Fresh and tender, shrimp brings a subtle sweetness and delightful texture.
- 1 tbsp garlic: Adds aromatic depth and irresistible savoriness to the shrimp marinade.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and balancing flavors throughout.
- 1 tsp paprika: Gives a warm, smoky hint that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- ½ tsp pepper: Just enough subtle heat to keep things interesting.
- 6 oz cream cheese: The key to that ultra creamy, silky texture in the sauce.
- 1-2 cups chicken bouillon/stock: Provides a savory base; adjust for your preferred sauce thickness.
- 2 tbsp minced garlic: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the sauce for a bright punch.
- ½ tsp salt: To season the sauce perfectly without overpowering.
- ½ tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick that complements the creamy sauce.
- ½ tsp paprika: Balances the sauce with gentle smokiness and depth.
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Brings savory umami and a beautiful cheesy richness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: A bright, fresh note that cuts through the creaminess.
- Fresh parsley: For a crisp, herbaceous finish and a pop of vibrant green color.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Draining it just right ensures it’s firm enough to soak up all that delicious sauce later. Once cooked, set the pasta aside but don’t rinse it — you want to keep that natural starch to help the sauce cling better.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, combine your raw shrimp in a large bowl with garlic, salt, paprika, and pepper. This simple seasoning infuses the shrimp with flavor, making every bite pop. Letting the shrimp marinate while you prepare the sauce will enhance their taste beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large pan with a light coat of non-stick spray over medium-high heat, then add your seasoned shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side, to keep them tender and juicy. Remove them from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, add the cream cheese, chicken bouillon or stock, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Gently heat everything, stirring often, until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Start with one cup of stock and add more if you prefer a thinner sauce — this flexibility lets you tailor it perfectly to your liking.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
Return the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the pan with the sauce, then toss everything together until the noodles are thoroughly coated and the shrimp are nestled throughout. The warmth helps all the flavors marry together, resulting in an incredibly satisfying dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while everything is warm and creamy, and get ready for some serious compliments!
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a simple but effective way to brighten the dish with color and a subtle herbal note. For a little extra zing, a light grating of lemon zest or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add exciting layers without overpowering the creamy base.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad or steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can also be perfect accompaniments to soak up any extra sauce and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the creamy shrimp pasta on heated plates with additional parmesan sprinkled just before serving. You can also tuck in some colorful cherry tomatoes or swirl in a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add flair and depth visually and in taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy shrimp pasta, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will remain delicious, though the pasta may soak up some sauce, so just add a splash of stock or water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp pasta dishes can be tricky because the texture of the shrimp and pasta may change. However, if you want to freeze it, transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container and consume within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To bring your leftover creamy shrimp pasta back to life, warm it slowly over low heat, adding a bit of chicken stock or water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain that smooth, luscious texture characteristic of this recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is ideal for holding this creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like linguine, penne, or even spaghetti can work well depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking, so they sear nicely and don’t release too much water into the dish.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replacing cream cheese and parmesan with dairy-free alternatives works well. Use vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan to achieve a similar creamy and cheesy flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms can add wonderful texture and nutrition, making the dish even more satisfying and colorful.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl, usually about 2 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough, so keep a close eye during cooking!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a cozy, flavorful pasta dish that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal fuss. This Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes, from succulent shrimp to that irresistibly rich sauce. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen too!
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Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious Creamy Shrimp Pasta featuring tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and spices, tossed with fettuccine in a rich and smooth cream cheese and parmesan sauce, finished with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon juice. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a creamy, flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb raw deveined shrimp
- 1 tbsp garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp pepper
Sauce
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 1–2 cups chicken bouillon/stock (depending on desired sauce thickness)
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Marinate Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the raw deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Fry Shrimp: Spray a large pan with non-stick spray and heat over medium flame. Fry the shrimp until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same pan, add the cream cheese, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, and 1 cup chicken bouillon/stock. Gently heat and stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add additional broth if a thinner consistency is desired. Stir in shredded parmesan cheese and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and fried shrimp to the pan with the sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of chicken stock you add.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a burst of color and freshness.
- For a spicier kick, increase paprika slightly or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Ensure shrimp are deveined and peeled if preferred for ease of eating.
- This recipe can be made with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
