Print

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta in 30 Minutes

creamy garlic parmesan shrimp pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and indulgent creamy garlic Parmesan shrimp pasta ready in 30 minutes, featuring perfectly seared shrimp and a velvety sauce made with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start the pasta water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous tablespoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. While waiting, prep ingredients—mince garlic, chop parsley, and grate Parmesan.
  2. Cook the pasta: Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain pasta (do not rinse) and set aside.
  3. Sear the shrimp: Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and golden. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Build the garlic base: Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine everything: Add cooked pasta to the sauce along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss with tongs to coat. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Return shrimp to the pan and gently toss to combine. Warm through for about 1 minute.
  7. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using lemon juice, squeeze it in and toss once more. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded) to avoid a grainy sauce. Pat shrimp very dry before searing to achieve a golden crust. Reserve more pasta water than needed for adjusting sauce consistency. Do not rinse the cooked pasta. This recipe is best made in a single batch; doubling may cause the sauce to break.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, 30 minute pasta, garlic parmesan sauce, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-shrimp-pasta-in-30-minutes/