Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Few dishes walk the line between comfort and sophistication as gracefully as Shrimp Pasta. With its vibrant balance of flavors, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp nestled among tender noodles, this dish delivers restaurant-quality elegance with the approachability of a home-cooked meal. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or the star of a date night menu, shrimp pasta has earned its place as a timeless classic in kitchens around the world.
Ingredients
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add shrimp to the pan and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Squeeze in lemon juice (if using) and remove shrimp from pan. Set aside.
In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat.
Add shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Optional: stir in spinach or cherry tomatoes and cook just until wilted/heated.
Plate the pasta and shrimp.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve with lemon wedges and garlic bread!
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Omit cream and Parmesan. After cooking shrimp, deglaze pan with lemon juice and ½ cup pasta water. Add garlic and a drizzle of olive oil for a light sauce.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Use Cajun seasoning on the shrimp and add bell peppers for a kick.
Tomato-Based Sauce: Use marinara instead of cream, and stir in shrimp for a classic red sauce option.
