Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with creamy garlic sauce and pasta, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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!
Notes
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. 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. Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can be a good option too if thawed properly.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!