Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a rich garlic cream sauce, served over al dente pasta. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent dinner, it combines savory spices with decadent cream and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta or pasta of choice
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook Shrimp: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 1 minute per side until they are charred and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to combine and heat through. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest for extra brightness.
- For a spicier kick, include red pepper flakes in the sauce or on top.
- Serving with a side of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this creamy dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
