Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is quick, rich, and comforting! Succulent shrimp in a luscious garlic cream sauce tossed with tender fettuccine noodles.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Grater
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the cream warm through, then gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with the remaining salt, black pepper, and add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
- Add the cooked fettuccine and shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting, flavorful goodness.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
- Burn garlic gently until fragrant; avoid browning to prevent bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Add parmesan cheese gradually to prevent clumping.
- Store shrimp and sauce separately from pasta for best reheating results.