This Pasta Shrimp Cream is a dreamy Italian-inspired dish featuring plump shrimp sautéed to perfection and tossed in a rich, velvety cream sauce made with garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Paired with perfectly cooked pasta, it’s an elegant yet easy-to-make meal that feels like it came straight from a fine-dining restaurant.
Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, date night, or simply craving something indulgent, this creamy shrimp pasta will satisfy your cravings in under 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavor, silky smooth texture, and just the right amount of umami from the Parmesan and garlic.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — only a few ingredients are needed, but the result is incredibly satisfying. You can customize it by adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, chili flakes, or white wine for extra depth.
From start to finish, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve it with crusty bread and a glass of white wine, and you have a meal that impresses every time.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3):
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 12 oz raw peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg, red chili flakes, sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter or heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or chili flakes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp — just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice at the end.
- Add spinach or arugula for a pop of green and added nutrition.
- Substitute half the cream with whole milk or coconut milk for a lighter version.
