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A white plate filled with spaghetti topped with garlic butter shrimp, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley, garnished with grated parmesan and a lemon wedge.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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This shrimp pasta is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish combining tender shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta and a light, zesty sauce. Ideal for weeknights or elegant dinners.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup white wine or reserved pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter or heavy cream (optional)
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with white wine or reserved pasta water. Add lemon juice and butter or cream, if using. Stir well.
  5. Return shrimp to the pan. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Stir in parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use large shrimp for better texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
  • Frozen shrimp work fine—just thaw in cold water before cooking.
  • Save and use pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
  • Optional add-ins: spinach, cherry tomatoes, olives, or feta.
  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg