Description

Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta — the ultimate comfort dish that’s fast, flavorful, and full of rich, creamy goodness. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection and tossed in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with pasta, creating one of the best easy dinner ideas you’ll ever make. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress, this recipe delivers with ease. Packed with protein, simple to adapt, and absolutely satisfying — it’s a delicious blend of seafood richness and cozy pasta indulgence. Ideal for those looking for healthy-ish dinner ideas, food ideas that feel fancy without the stress, or a go-to easy recipe to keep in rotation.

Ingredients

8 oz linguine or fettuccine

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 cup baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.

4. Pour in heavy cream while stirring. Let it gently simmer, scraping the skillet for extra flavor.

5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add lemon juice and zest. Mix in pasta water gradually until the sauce is silky.

6. Toss in the drained pasta and cooked shrimp. Add spinach if using. Stir to coat and warm through.

7. Garnish with parsley, more Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan for best results.

Pat shrimp dry before cooking for a better sear.

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 215mg

Keywords: creamy garlic shrimp pasta, seafood pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe