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The Best Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. Perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta wide, flat pasta
  • 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing the shrimp and garlic
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream creates the rich, creamy base of the sauce
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning a fragrant blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. Set the pasta aside.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
  • Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Let the cream reduce slightly, thickening for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce will become luxuriously creamy and cheesy.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Then add the drained fettuccine pasta. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Slowly add Parmesan cheese to avoid clumping in the sauce.
  • Use fresh garlic and avoid burning it for best flavor.
  • Store shrimp and sauce separately from pasta if making ahead.