Creamy Shrimp Pasta: The Best 30-Minute Recipe

Name: The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 lb spaghetti; 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp lemon juice; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste; 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

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This creamy shrimp pasta recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, featuring tender shrimp smothered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti.

It’s my go-to recipe for a foolproof, elegant weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s actually incredibly simple to pull together. Trust me, this is the one you’ll make again and again.

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Key Takeaways

Ready in 30 Minutes: This entire dish, from chopping the onion to tossing the pasta, comes together in half an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most of what you need already. No fancy, hard-to-find items here.
Foolproof Cream Sauce: I’ll walk you through my simple method for a silky, rich cream sauce that never breaks or curdles.
A True Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a date night in or a family dinner, this creamy shrimp pasta always gets rave reviews. It’s pure comfort, a lot like my One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta, but with delicious shrimp!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

That Sauce! Seriously, the sauce is everything. It’s velvety, rich with garlic and parmesan, and coats every single noodle beautifully.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: We cook the shrimp separately first, which is the secret to keeping them plump and juicy, not tough or rubbery.
A Hug in a Bowl: There’s just something about a warm bowl of creamy pasta that feels so comforting and satisfying, you know?
Looks Super Impressive: It’s one of those dishes that looks incredibly elegant on the plate. Your family or guests will think you’re a culinary genius!
Great Source of Protein: Shrimp is a fantastic lean protein, which helps make this a truly satisfying meal that will keep you full and happy.
So Versatile: You can easily toss in some spinach or mushrooms to sneak in extra veggies. It’s as adaptable as my popular Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi!

A Little Story Behind the Recipe

I first developed this creamy shrimp pasta years ago when my husband and I decided to start a regular “date night in.” We wanted something that felt special and a little bit fancy, but didn’t require a ton of effort after a long week. I started playing around with a basic cream sauce, and after a few tries, this recipe was born.

The first time I made it, the whole kitchen filled with the incredible aroma of garlic and butter sautéing in the pan. I remember taking that first bite—the rich, savory sauce, the tender shrimp, the perfectly cooked spaghetti

—and just thinking, “This is it.” It instantly became our dish. Now, it’s not just for date nights; it’s the meal I turn to when I need a quick dose of comfort or have friends coming over last minute. It’s a simple recipe, but it’s packed with happy memories, and I hope it creates some for you, too. For a lighter, summery vibe, sometimes we’ll make my Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, but we always come back to this creamy classic.

Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to grab. The magic is in the simplicity!

Ingredient	Notes / Common Substitutes
spaghetti	Linguine or even penne work great too. Use your favorite!
Large Raw Shrimp	Make sure it’s peeled and deveined to save time. Frozen is fine, just thaw it first.
Unsalted Butter	Adds that rich, classic flavor to the base of the sauce.
Olive Oil	Using both butter and oil prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
Onion & Garlic	The essential flavor builders! Fresh garlic is a must here.
Chicken Broth	Adds flavor and helps deglaze the pan. Vegetable broth works too.
Lemon Juice	A small squeeze adds brightness to the sauce.
Heavy Cream	This is key for that ultra-rich, creamy texture. Don’t substitute with milk!
Parmesan Cheese	Please, please use freshly grated! The pre-shredded kind has anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly. Just like in my Creamy Chicken Garlic Pasta, fresh is best.
Seasonings	Salt, black pepper, and a touch of paprika for color and warmth.
Fresh Parsley	Adds a pop of fresh, green flavor at the end that cuts through the richness.

Equipment Needed

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
Large Skillet or Pan: A 12-inch non-stick or stainless steel skillet is perfect for making the sauce and cooking the shrimp.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Whisk: Helps create that smooth, creamy sauce without any lumps.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Pasta Step-by-Step

Boil the Pasta: Get a large pot of salted water boiling and cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente (still has a little bite). Just before draining, be sure to save about a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold!
Season and Cook the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, pat your shrimp dry and season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for just 1-2 minutes per side, until they’re pink and no longer translucent. Immediately remove them from the pan and set them aside so they don’t overcook.
Build the Flavor Base: In that same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and golden. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma.
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice to deglaze, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer and reduce until about half of the liquid has evaporated. This really concentrates the flavor!
Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes to let it thicken slightly.
Add the Cheese: Turn the heat down to low and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir or whisk gently just until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. This is the moment it all comes together! Don’t let it boil after this point. Give it a taste and season with more salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
Toss Everything Together: Add the drained pasta and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently until every noodle is coated in that glorious cream sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick, stir in a splash of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Another dish where pasta water is your best friend is my Viral Tomato Feta Pasta!
Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little extra black pepper.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp! I know I said it before, but it’s the most important tip. The shrimp will cook in just a few minutes. As soon as they turn pink and curl up, get them out of the pan. They’ll finish warming through when you add them back to the sauce.
Use Room Temperature Cream: Letting your heavy cream sit out on the counter for 15-20 minutes before adding it to the hot pan helps prevent any chance of it curdling. It’s a little trick that ensures a super smooth sauce.
Save That Pasta Water: Seriously, don’t skip this step. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles beautifully and is the perfect way to thin out a sauce that has become too thick, without making it watery. I do this in so many of my recipes, including my Healthy Broccoli Pasta.
Fresh is Best: Using fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a world of difference in the final flavor of this dish. It’s a small step that provides a huge flavor payoff.

What to Serve With Creamy Shrimp Pasta

This is a pretty complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few of my favorites:

A Simple Green Salad: A salad with a bright, zesty vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through the richness of the cream sauce.
Crusty Garlic Bread: A must-have for sopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce from the bottom of the bowl.
Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: A simple side of roasted green veggies adds a nice bit of color and nutrition. You could even serve it with my Easy Baked Zucchini.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Honestly, this dish is best enjoyed fresh, as cream sauces can sometimes separate when reheated. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir frequently until it’s warmed through. This helps bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. I would avoid using the microwave if you can!

Nutrition Facts

(Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.)

Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 720

Total Fat: 45g

Saturated Fat: 25g

Trans Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 285mg

Sodium: 850mg

Total Carbohydrates: 48g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 4g

Protein: 32g

FAQs About Creamy Shrimp Pasta

What cream is best for creamy pasta?

Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream is definitely the best for a rich, stable, and super creamy pasta sauce. Its high fat content prevents it from curdling when heated and creates that velvety texture we all love in a creamy shrimp pasta dish.

How do you make pasta sauce creamier?

The key is to use a high-fat dairy like heavy cream and to simmer it gently to allow it to reduce and thicken. Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end is also a game-changer; it melts beautifully and makes the sauce even richer. Finally, a splash of starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

What is a cream-based pasta sauce called?

A classic cream-based pasta sauce made with Parmesan cheese and butter is famously called an Alfredo sauce. While this creamy shrimp pasta is very similar in style, you could also just call it a simple cream sauce or salsa di panna in Italian.

What herbs go well with shrimp pasta?

Fresh parsley is a classic for a reason—its bright, clean flavor is the perfect finishing touch for a rich dish like this. Fresh basil, chives, or even a little bit of thyme would also be delicious and complement the shrimp and garlic wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to make something truly special and delicious right in your own kitchen. For an appetizer, you could even start the meal with my Traditional Bruschetta Recipe!

If you make this creamy shrimp pasta, I’d love to hear about it! Please leave a comment and a rating below, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later. I can’t wait to see your photos!

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