Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The pasta is creamy, garlicky, and packed with succulent shrimp, making it a favorite for seafood lovers. Plus, it’s quick to make, so you can enjoy a homemade meal in no time!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp (shelled and deveined)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups half n half
- ½ cup chicken stock (or pasta water)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- More salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Strain and reserve ½ cup of the liquid if you’re not using chicken stock.
- In a small bowl, toss the shelled and deveined shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well coated.
- Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add in the shrimp, cooking for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the cooked shrimp and set aside.
- Lower the heat a bit and add in the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Add in the half n half, chicken stock (or pasta water), and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring to a low simmer for 4-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat and add in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, whisking until melted.
- Fold in the cooked pasta, fresh basil, and shrimp. Serve!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Serve your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta warm, garnished with extra basil or cheese if desired. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be a good option too if thawed properly.
- Adjust the level of garlic and spices according to your taste.
- Consider adding vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color.
Variation
You can change things up by using different types of pasta or adding vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus. If you prefer a lighter version, consider using low-fat half n half or a non-dairy alternative.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine them before serving. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture.
Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
Freezing is not recommended because the cream can separate and change texture when thawed.
What can I serve with this dish?
You can serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even a light white wine to complement the flavors.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 ounces penne pasta Pasta of your choice can be used.
- 1 pound large shrimp (shelled and deveined) Fresh shrimp is recommended.
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt More salt can be adjusted to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For a bit of heat.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups half n half
- ½ cup chicken stock (or pasta water)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil (or 1 teaspoon dried) For garnish
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- In a large pot, cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Strain and reserve ½ cup of the liquid if you’re not using chicken stock.
Preparing Shrimp
- In a small bowl, toss the shelled and deveined shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well coated.
Cooking Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add in the shrimp, cooking for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the cooked shrimp and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Lower the heat a bit and add in the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Add in the half n half, chicken stock (or pasta water), and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring to a low simmer for 4-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and add in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, whisking until melted.
Combining Ingredients
- Fold in the cooked pasta, fresh basil, and shrimp. Serve!