Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for Easy Gourmet Dinners

If you're looking for a simple seafood pasta dish that feels fancy, you've come to the right place! I remember one Sunday when my son, Jake, insisted on having a gourmet dinner at home. We whipped up this creamy garlic shrimp pasta together, and it quickly became a family favorite. This gourmet shrimp pasta recipe is perfect for easy gourmet dinners that impress without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
• The creamy garlic sauce is rich and comforting.
• Shrimp cooks fast, making it a great last-minute dinner option.
• You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices.

Pure Comfort

There’s something magical about a creamy shrimp pasta dish that warms the heart. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate! Whenever I serve this dish, it brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and love. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.

What You Need

• 1 8 oz fettuccine pasta – You can substitute with spaghetti or penne.
• 1 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Frozen shrimp works too; just thaw before cooking.
• 1 3 tbsp olive oil – Can use butter for a richer flavor.
• 1 4 cloves garlic, minced – Use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
• 1 1 cup heavy cream – Half-and-half is a lighter alternative.
• 1 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Feel free to use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
• for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped – Basil or chives also work well.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the shrimp and sauce in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside, letting that delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. They’ll smell amazing when they’re ready!
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating that creamy sauce we love.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it even creamier. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget to taste it yourself!
6. Finally, toss in the cooked fettuccine, mixing everything together until the pasta is well coated in that luscious sauce. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Make It Perfect

• Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
• Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• If you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes.

Mix It Up

• Add spinach or kale for a boost of greens.
• Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
• Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken for a different protein.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Enjoy with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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FAQs

Conclusion

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is truly a simple seafood pasta dish that brings gourmet flair to your dinner table. Whether it's a special occasion or just a Tuesday night, this gourmet shrimp pasta recipe is sure to impress everyone. Enjoy your shrimp and pasta dinner with family and friends!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for Easy Gourmet Dinners

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is a quick and comforting seafood pasta dish with a rich sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender shrimp, garlic, and fettuccine to create a cozy, gourmet-feeling meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta You can substitute with spaghetti or penne
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, frozen works too; thaw before cooking
• 3 tbsp olive oil Can use butter for a richer flavor
• 4 cloves garlic minced, garlic powder can be used if in a pinch
• 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half is a lighter alternative
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option
• to taste salt and pepper Add red pepper flakes for a kick
• for garnish fresh parsley chopped; basil or chives also work well

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot

Method

 

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, letting it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss in the cooked fettuccine and mix until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.