Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This garlic shrimp pasta recipe will soon become a weekly favorite, thanks to its quick 30-minute preparation time and its unbeatable combination of taste and satisfaction. The simplicity of the dish, with its minimal ingredient list, makes it a perfect choice for the entire family to enjoy it.

Ingredients For Garlic Shrimp Pasta

The following items are necessary to prepare a creamy garlic pasta shrimp

dish that is both uncomplicated and refined:

Shrimp – For this recipe, make sure to utilize high-quality raw frozen shrimp that has been peeled or peel and devein it yourself. The size of the shrimp is not important as long as you take care not to overcook it. If you have pre-cooked shrimp stored in your fridge, you can also utilize that. I have a comprehensive tutorial on how to properly poach shrimp and serve it with a self-made cocktail sauce. Additionally, any leftover cooked shrimp can be utilized in this pasta dish.

Olive oil, butter, and garlic – This is the primary flavor contributor in this dish.

Pasta – For this garlic pasta with shrimp recipe, you can choose any long strand pasta of your preference, I personally opted for linguine.

Cream – For the best results, it is recommended to use heavy cream, which is referred to as double cream in the UK. The fat content of heavy cream blends well with the reserved pasta cooking water, producing a velvety and smooth cream sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. If needed, you can substitute with half and half (single cream), however, the sauce will be more watery and will take a longer time to reach the desired consistency.

Parmesan – Ensure to use the finest quality parmesan cheese you can find! It provides the desired umami or savory flavor to the sauce, and also assists in thickening the cream sauce.

Optional seasoning – I opt to use homemade old bay seasoning as it pairs perfectly with seafood and adds an extra layer of flavor to this pasta dish. Alternatively, you can use cajun or smoked paprika to your liking.

Salt, pepper, and parsley.

How to make Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Take a medium-sized saucepan, heat the water in it until it boils, and then add salt as desired. Place your pasta in the pan and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture, following the cooking time indicated on the pasta package. When the pasta has finished cooking, reserve one cup of the pasta water, and then drain the rest of the pasta.

Take a medium-sized frying pan, then heat a mixture of butter and olive oil over medium heat until it melts. Once the pan is hot, place the shrimp in the pan and cook for around one minute. Afterwards, sprinkle salt, pepper, and your choice of Old Bay Seasoning or paprika over the shrimp for flavor.

Continuing cooking the shrimp until it turns pink. If necessary, cook the shrimp in several batches to avoid overcooking. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set it aside.

In the same pan, add additional butter and the garlic. Then, cook until the scent of garlic becomes apparent, or for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any bits of food, a process known as deglazing.

Stir in the parmesan cheese and let it melt. Thin out the sauce by incorporating the pasta water that was set aside and allow it to simmer for about 1 minute. In the end, taste the sauce and fine-tune the flavors by adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

Coat the pasta with the sauce by tossing them together until the pasta is fully covered. Reheat the shrimp by placing it back in the pan and cooking it over low heat. To finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve the dish.

My Best Tips

• Boil the pasta until it reaches the point of being firm but not too soft.To prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked, gently heat it while tossing it with the sauce.
• If you choose to cook frozen shrimp, expect some liquid to be released, which is normal and can be simmered down in about a minute without compromising the texture of the shrimp. However, for the best outcome, it’s recommended to completely thaw the shrimp beforehand, as this will ensure that it’s as dry as possible during cooking.
• Remember to reserve approximately one cup of the pasta cooking water, as it is high in starch and can help to loosen up the sauce. While you will likely only need a small amount, it’s a good idea to set aside one cup and drain the rest for safety.
• This garlic shrimp pasta sauce recipe
• yields 4 standard-sized portions or 3 larger servings.

The step-by-step instructions Garlic Shrimp Pasta pictures can be found in the recipe card below.

Questions and answers about Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe

Recipe variations

To achieve a saucier pasta, set aside approximately ½ cup of the cooked pasta water and slowly drizzle it into the noodles and sauce as you toss them together. The outcome will be a sauce that is silky and packed with taste.

If desired, use chicken broth instead of milk when preparing the sauce.

Be careful not to cook the shrimp too much, as this can cause the texture to become tough and rubbery. As soon as the tails start to curl and the color becomes opaque, they are either fully cooked or close to it.

Garlic plays a prominent role in this dish, so it is crucial to use freshly minced garlic for the optimal flavor. Pre-minced garlic will not provide the same aromatic and delicious results as using freshly minced garlic.

What Do You Serve With garlic shrimp and pasta?

For this Garlic Shrimp Pasta dish, I like to serve it with either a plain side salad or a delicious homemade Caesar salad. Homemade breadsticks are the ideal companion for soaking up the rich sauce, and a serving of roasted vegetables would be a delightful addition.

Have a look at our other recipes, how about delicious sauteed shrimp or lobster and shrimp mac and cheese

Can You Freeze the recipe?

Yes, It is possible to freeze Garlic Shrimp Pasta, but it is not recommended as the texture may not remain as optimal. To maintain the best texture, it is advised to store the leftovers in a properly sealed container in the refrigerator, rather than in the freezer.

Can You Store Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Yes, store your leftover Garlic Shrimp Pasta in a sealed, airtight container. This will keep the leftovers fresh in the refrigerator for approximately 3 days.

Should you rinse pasta after cooking?

Rinsing pasta is only required when making a cold dish, such as a pasta salad.

This is because rinsing stops the cooking process and cools down the pasta, making it less starchy and sticky. On the other hand, when making a warm pasta dish with sauce, rinsing is not recommended. Instead, it’s best to retain some of the pasta water to enhance the sauce’s flavor and texture.

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