Name: Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta, dried; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided; 6-8 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup dry white wine (optional, e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Introduction

This garlic butter shrimp pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that comes together in just one pot. With tender shrimp, rich butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.

This image shows a white bowl filled with spaghetti pasta topped with several cooked shrimp. The spaghetti noodles are light yellow and glossy, mixed with small bits of green herbs scattered throughout. The shrimp are pinkish-orange with a slightly charred texture, curled on top of and within the noodles. The dish looks lightly coated with oil or butter, giving it a shiny, moist appearance. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta, dried
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup dry white wine (optional, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons olive oil and ¼ cup butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly opaque. Do not fully cook them. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer 1-2 minutes to reduce alcohol.
Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, add pasta (breaking long strands if needed), and remaining ¼ cup butter. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Remove lid. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered a few more minutes, stirring often.
Step 7: Gently fold shrimp back into pasta. Heat through 1-2 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked but not overcooked.
Step 8: Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
Dry white wine is optional but adds wonderful depth; substitute with extra broth if preferred.
For a spicy kick, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Try swapping parsley with fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal note.
Reserve a few tablespoons of pasta cooking liquid before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with spaghetti pasta forms the base layer, with long, yellowish strands slightly glossy from oil. On top, there are several medium-sized cooked shrimp, curled and pink-orange with visible seasoning and small bits of chopped green herbs scattered across the dish. The shrimp look juicy with a hint of light charring. The pasta is also speckled with herbs and black pepper, giving texture and color contrast. The bowl is resting on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the food stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are fully thawed and well-drained before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Long pasta like linguine or fettuccine works best because their starch helps create a creamy sauce in this one-pot method.