Some evenings demand more than just a meal—they call for something that wraps you in comfort and flavor. That’s exactly what this creamy shrimp pasta delivers. It’s not just dinner; it’s a moment of calm, a chance to sit back and savor every bite without fuss.

Last week, after a whirlwind day filled with back-to-back meetings and errands, I finally slipped into my kitchen, craving something simple yet satisfying. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter soon filled the air, mingling with the subtle heat of red pepper flakes. As I watched the shrimp turn perfectly pink and tender, the creamy sauce thickened gently, promising richness without heaviness. The first forkful was a revelation—the silky pasta coated in sauce, the shrimp delicate and flavorful, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adding a lively touch. It felt like a little celebration in the middle of a hectic week.

Rich, velvety cream sauce that clings to every strand of pasta
Succulent shrimp cooked to tender perfection
A hint of spice that adds depth without overwhelming
Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners
Fresh parsley brightens the dish with a clean finish

If you’re worried about the sauce being too heavy, this recipe strikes a wonderful balance—it’s indulgent but never greasy, making it easy to enjoy without feeling weighed down.

Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Print Recipe

A rich and flavorful creamy shrimp pasta dish made with succulent shrimp, garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, served over tender fettuccine noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces fettuccine pasta
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the cream sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy shrimp sauce.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta.
Serve immediately while hot.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! While fettuccine works beautifully here, feel free to swap in linguine, spaghetti, or even penne.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? The sauce and shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components separately and combine just before serving.

How spicy is the dish? The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit if you prefer it milder.

Can I substitute the cream? Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness, but half-and-half can work for a lighter version, though the texture will be less thick.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce smooth.

When you’re ready to turn dinner into a moment of comfort, this creamy shrimp pasta is waiting. Give it a try tonight—you’ll find it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm embrace after the busiest days.