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Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 85 reviews

This one-pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful seafood pasta dish combining tender shrimp with linguine cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce enhanced by lemon, Parmesan, and a hint of white wine. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a luscious, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and impressive.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Shrimp

  • 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta, dried
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large, deep skillet or pot (at least 12-inch diameter) over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons olive oil and ¼ cup butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant without burning. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly opaque, but not fully cooked. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Deglaze with White Wine (Optional): Pour white wine into the skillet and scrape up browned bits with a spatula. Let it simmer 1-2 minutes to evaporate some alcohol, adding depth to the sauce.
  3. Add Broth, Pasta, and Remaining Butter: Pour in chicken broth and add the dried pasta, breaking strands if necessary to fit. Add remaining ¼ cup butter. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Adjust timing slightly if needed based on pasta type and stove.
  5. Stir in Cream, Parmesan, and Lemon Juice: Remove lid, ensure pasta is al dente with a creamy sauce formed. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and lemon juice until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. If sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered, stirring frequently until desired thickness.
  6. Return Shrimp and Finish: Fold shrimp back into pasta and sauce; heat through 1-2 minutes ensuring shrimp are fully cooked but not overdone to avoid rubberiness.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Enjoy your flavorful, creamy shrimp pasta!

Notes

  • Do not fully cook shrimp during initial sauté; they finish cooking with pasta to keep them tender.
  • Breaking pasta in half helps it fit better into the pot for one-pot cooking.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
  • White wine is optional but adds crucial acidity and flavor depth.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta sticking or burning.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level or omit entirely for mild flavor.
  • Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh herb finish; substitute with basil if desired.

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, creamy shrimp pasta, one-pot pasta, seafood pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/creamy-garlic-pasta-recipe/