![- 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter In this dish, pasta serves as the base. You can choose fettuccine or spaghetti, both work well. The shrimp adds a sweet and tender bite. I love using large shrimp so each piece stands out. Butter brings a rich flavor that enhances the dish. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice For the sauce, heavy cream gives that creamy texture we desire. Parmesan cheese adds depth with its salty bite. A dash of lemon juice brightens the flavor, making each bite special. Together, they create a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish Seasoning is key to making this dish shine. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky note. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. It makes the dish look inviting on the plate. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned; it can burn quickly. Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it gently. As it simmers, lower the heat to low. Now, add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir until the cheese melts. This creates a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently fold in the pasta. Toss everything together while adding the reserved pasta water gradually. This helps to get your desired sauce consistency. Make sure to taste again and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the skillet from heat. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and fresh flavor to your creamy shrimp pasta. Enjoy this rich and flavorful delight! To get that perfect creaminess, you must save some pasta water. This water has starch, which helps thicken the sauce. Just before draining, scoop out about a cup. You can add it slowly to the sauce. This way, you control how thick it gets. For cheese, I recommend using Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano. Both give a rich, nutty flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated. It makes your sauce smooth and tasty. Cooking shrimp can be tricky. Overcooked shrimp turns rubbery and tough. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. I suggest using large shrimp, around 21/25 count per pound. They are big enough to hold their shape and flavor. They work well in the sauce and pair nicely with the pasta. Pairing wine with creamy shrimp pasta enhances the meal. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works great. Their acidity cuts through the richness of the dish. As for sides, think fresh and light. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the pasta. Garlic bread or roasted veggies are also great choices. They add texture and balance to your plate. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can make creamy shrimp pasta healthier. Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Both options add fiber and nutrients. Whole wheat pasta gives a nutty taste. Gluten-free pasta works well for those with dietary needs. For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with low-fat cream. This change lowers the calories without losing creamy texture. You still get that rich flavor, just a bit lighter. To boost flavor, consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy taste. Artichokes offer a unique twist that surprises the palate. For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes. This adds heat and depth to the dish. Adjust the amount based on your spice level preference. If you want to change the protein, substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops. Chicken is easy to find and works well with the sauce. Scallops add a touch of luxury and flavor. Both options keep the dish exciting. For a vegan alternative, try using plant-based proteins. Options like tofu or chickpeas work nicely. They soak up the sauce and add a great texture. You can still enjoy creamy shrimp pasta without animal products. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your creamy shrimp pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work well, as they do not retain odors. Store the pasta in the fridge for up to three days. When storing, make sure to divide the pasta into smaller portions. This helps cool it faster and keeps it fresh longer. To reheat your creamy shrimp pasta, you have two main options. The stovetop method is best for keeping the creaminess. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce. Stir gently until warm. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir every 30 seconds to avoid hot spots. This method can dry out the pasta, so be careful. Yes, you can freeze creamy shrimp pasta! However, the cream sauce may change texture when thawed. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, move the pasta to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Reheat on the stovetop with a little cream to bring back the smooth texture. For the best results, enjoy within three months. For the full recipe of creamy shrimp pasta, check the earlier sections. Creamy shrimp pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Keeping it cold helps avoid spoilage. Always check for any signs of mold or bad smell before eating. Yes, you can make creamy shrimp pasta in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Mix them together just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft and soggy. Creamy shrimp pasta is not the best for freezing. The cream can separate when thawed. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. These options give a different taste but still work well in the dish. To spice up your creamy shrimp pasta, add red pepper flakes. You can also use cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Serve creamy shrimp pasta with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A crisp green salad pairs nicely. You can also enjoy it with a glass of white wine for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check it out [here](Full Recipe). This creamy shrimp pasta recipe blends rich flavors and easy steps. You’ll cook pasta, sauté shrimp, and create a luscious cream sauce. Don’t forget to adjust the consistency with pasta water for the best texture. Try adding veggies or spices for a twist. With a few simple tips, you can enhance flavors and store leftovers. Enjoy this meal as is or mix it up with alternative ingredients. Whether you share it or savor it solo, this dish is sure to please.](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6391ea29-a201-491f-809d-434a8206fcdf-250x250.webp)
Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Indulge in the rich and flavorful delight of creamy shrimp pasta with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish features tender shrimp, a luscious cream sauce, and your choice of fettuccine or spaghetti. Elevate your dining experience with fresh ingredients and simple steps that promise gourmet results. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and impress your guests tonight!