Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is that dreamy, restaurant-style dish you crave on a busy night—but made with simple pantry ingredients right at home. Tender strands of pasta are twirled through a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce, dotted with juicy shrimp and bright pops of lemon and herbs.

It’s indulgent without being fussy, and it all comes together in about half an hour on the stovetop. Whether you’re cooking for date night, a special family dinner, or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this shrimp pasta makes any evening feel a little more luxurious.

What Kind of Shrimp and Pasta Work Best for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

For this dish, medium to large raw shrimp (often labeled 21–25 or 26–30 count per pound) are ideal. They’re big enough to stay plump and tender, but still quick to cook in just a couple of minutes per side. Look for peeled and deveined shrimp to keep prep easy; leaving the tails on is optional and mostly for presentation.

Fresh or frozen shrimp both work beautifully here. If you’re using frozen, thaw them completely in the fridge or under cold running water, then pat them very dry before cooking. Dry shrimp sear better, giving you that light golden color and deeper flavor rather than steaming in the pan.

For the pasta, long noodles like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are perfect partners for this creamy garlic sauce. Their shape lets them soak up every bit of the silky sauce so each bite feels balanced. If you prefer short pasta, something with a bit of texture such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini will grab onto the sauce just as well.

Whichever pasta you choose, don’t forget to salt your cooking water generously and reserve a cup of the starchy water before draining. That little bit of liquid is the secret weapon for loosening and glossing up the sauce at the end.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp – The star of the dish, adding sweetness, protein, and a lovely seafood richness that stands up to the creamy sauce.

Linguine or fettuccine pasta – Long strands of pasta create that classic twirl-able bite and catch the sauce in every curve.

Olive oil – Helps the shrimp sear quickly and evenly while adding a subtle fruitiness to the base of the dish.

Unsalted butter – Enriches the sauce, softens the garlic, and adds a velvety, restaurant-style finish.

Garlic – The main flavor driver here, infusing the entire pan with savory aroma and depth. Fresh cloves really make a difference.

Crushed red pepper flakes – Just a pinch wakes up the creamy sauce with gentle heat and keeps each bite from feeling too heavy.

Dry white wine or chicken broth – Deglazes the pan, lifting up all the flavorful browned bits from the shrimp and forming the base of the sauce.

Heavy cream – Creates that luscious, silky texture that clings to every strand of pasta and every shrimp.

Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce as it melts in.

Italian seasoning – A simple blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity without needing a dozen separate jars.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for balancing all the flavors and making sure the shrimp and sauce taste vivid, not flat.

Lemon juice and zest – Brightens the cream and cheese, cutting through the richness and giving the pasta a fresh, restaurant-quality finish.

Baby spinach – Wilts into the hot sauce for color, freshness, and a little extra nutrition without overwhelming the dish.

Fresh parsley – Sprinkled on at the end for a burst of herbal flavor and a pop of green on the plate.

Reserved pasta water – Starchy liquid that brings the sauce together, helping it coat the pasta without becoming too thick or gloopy.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook your linguine or fettuccine according to package directions until just al dente. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the starchy cooking water and set it aside. This will help you adjust the consistency of the sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until opaque and lightly golden. Transfer them to a plate so they don’t overcook.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—keep an eye on it so the garlic softens but does not brown, which can turn it bitter.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let this mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until it’s slightly reduced. This step concentrates the flavor and adds depth to the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet along with the cooked shrimp, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped spinach. Toss everything together, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce loosens and coats the pasta and shrimp evenly.

Step 7: Taste and Serve

Taste the pasta and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Once everything is hot, creamy, and well-seasoned, sprinkle over the fresh parsley and a bit more Parmesan. Serve immediately while the sauce is silky and the shrimp are still perfectly tender.

Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This pasta is at its best right off the stove, when the sauce is still glossy and the shrimp are juicy and tender. Serve it in warm shallow bowls so the sauce doesn’t cool too quickly, and finish each portion with a final dusting of Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness.

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so when you reheat it, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to bring it back to a creamy consistency.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often so the shrimp warm through without getting rubbery. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave at 50–60% power, pausing to stir once or twice and adding a bit of liquid if it looks dry.

Because the sauce is cream-based and the shrimp are delicate, freezing is not recommended; thawing can cause the sauce to separate and the shrimp to become tough.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

A basket of warm garlic bread or soft breadsticks is perfect for swiping up every last bit of that garlicky cream sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta and adds freshness to the plate.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for an easy sheet-pan side that adds color, texture, and extra veggies to the meal.

Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables

Lightly steamed or quickly sautéed zucchini, peas, or carrots keep things simple and family-friendly while still rounding out the plate.

Caprese Salad

Slices of ripe tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make an elegant Italian-inspired side that pairs beautifully with shrimp pasta.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar with crunchy croutons and Parmesan echoes the flavors in the pasta while adding bite and contrast.

Roasted Potatoes or Potato Wedges

Crispy roasted potatoes are great if you’re serving a hungrier crowd and want a heartier, steakhouse-style side.

A Light Fruit Salad

Fresh berries or a simple citrus salad make a refreshing finish to this creamy main course without feeling too heavy.

Want More Creamy Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta becomes a new favorite, you’ll love exploring more cozy pasta recipes from ChefAlchemy:

One-Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo for ultra-creamy shrimp pasta made in a single skillet.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re craving a hearty, beefy twist on creamy noodles.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for an extra-rich take on classic Alfredo.
Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta packed with smoky bacon and tangy cream cheese.
Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta when you want shrimp pasta with a bold, sun-dried tomato kick.

These recipes keep the creamy comfort coming while giving you plenty of new pasta-night combinations to try.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta to your Pinterest dinner or pasta board so you can find it again whenever a creamy, cozy seafood craving hits.

When you make it, feel free to play with the flavors—add extra red pepper flakes for more heat, toss in a handful of extra greens, or swap the pasta shape to use what you have on hand. Then let me know in the comments how your version turned out and what little twists you added.

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own, and answering questions helps all of us cook smarter together.

For even more everyday pasta dishes, decadent desserts, and fresh dinner ideas, follow along on Pinterest at ChefAlchemy where new recipes are shared regularly.