Creamy Parmesan Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A 25-Minute Meal

If you’re craving a rich, flavorful meal that comes together quickly, this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the perfect solution. Combining succulent shrimp, a garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce, and al dente pasta, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The best part? It takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even an elegant dinner occasion.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step, providing tips and answers to common questions to ensure your shrimp pasta turns out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.

Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan and garlic sauce is luxurious yet simple to make.
Versatile: You can swap out the shrimp for chicken, scallops, or even keep it vegetarian with veggie alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta and Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but remember to reserve a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Tip: Al dente means the pasta is firm to the bite. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture, so be sure to check it regularly while boiling.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

While your pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Tip: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Once they are done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the ½ cup chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, cooking for 4-5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Tip: Be sure not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter. Stir constantly during this step to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan Cheese

When the sauce has thickened slightly, gradually stir in the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, whisking to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce. The cheese will help thicken the sauce further and give it that luxurious, creamy texture.

Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Gently add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, ensuring everything is well combined. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm the shrimp through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to a large serving dish or divide it among individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve immediately while the sauce is still creamy and warm.

Tips for Making the Perfect Shrimp Pasta

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give the best texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thawed completely and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a richer flavor compared to pre-grated versions. This small step can elevate the entire dish.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of seconds. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce thickens too much, you can always loosen it by adding a little more broth or the reserved pasta water.
For a Lighter Option: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Shrimp Pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. Here are a few suggestions to complete your meal:

Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any extra sauce.
Seafood Feast: For a full seafood experience, consider serving this pasta alongside grilled scallops or a shrimp cocktail appetizer.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 780 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Yes, this dish is quite versatile and works well with various types of pasta. You can use penne, linguine, pappardelle, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I Substitute Shrimp with Another Protein?

Absolutely! You can replace shrimp with chicken breast, salmon, or scallops. Cook the protein separately and incorporate it into the pasta in the same way as you would with the shrimp.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and shrimp, then reheat the sauce and combine everything.

What Can I Add for More Vegetables?

To add more color and nutrients to the dish, you can stir in vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes. Simply sauté them with the garlic or add them to the sauce before combining with the pasta.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and indulgent meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. With its rich, garlic-infused Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, this dish is sure to impress both family and guests alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a versatile recipe that offers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.