Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Cream Sauce
A luxurious pasta dish where half the shells are left on shrimp for texture, paired with a rich cream sauce and al dente pasta. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends large shrimp, pasta, heavy cream into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 300g large shrimp
- 200g pasta
- 200ml heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic
- 50g butter
- 60g parmesan cheese
- 50ml white wine
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 200g pasta and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 50g butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 300g shrimp (shelled, leaving tails intact) and cook for 2 minutes until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: Pour in 50ml white wine and 200ml heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in 60g grated parmesan until melted and sauce thickens. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
- Step 4: Return the shrimp to the pan and toss with the sauce. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Cream Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Cream Sauce?
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 Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Cream Sauce 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 Half-Shell Pasta with Shrimp and Cream Sauce?
Italian seafood 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many chicken recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
