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Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce, rich and flavorful dish.

Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta

A quick and satisfying creamy garlic shrimp pasta that's perfect for a cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Medium or large shrimp work well.
  • 8 oz pasta Spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
  • 4 tbsp butter For rich flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced; use more for a stronger garlic flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Half and half can be substituted for a lighter version.
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Freshly grated for smoother melting.
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for added heat.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice For brightness.
  • to garnish parsley or basil For a fresh finish.
Cooking Essentials
  • 1 cup pasta water Reserve before draining the pasta.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil salted water and cook your pasta until it is just tender. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cooking
  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a hot skillet and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink, then remove to a plate.
  2. Add the remaining butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the cream and let it gently simmer for a couple of minutes. Gradually stir in parmesan until melted into a smooth sauce.
  4. Add cooked pasta, a splash of reserved pasta water, and return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss to combine and warm through, finishing with lemon juice and fresh herbs.

Notes

Do not rinse pasta after cooking, and use gentle heat when simmering the cream to prevent separation. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.