Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and indulgent pasta dish with succulent shrimp, garlic butter, and a velvety cream sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, pasta, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 12 oz pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined) and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup white wine and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens. Add cooked pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until coated and glossy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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