Creamy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a rich, comforting, and flavorful pasta dish made with juicy seared shrimp, tender spaghetti, plenty of fresh garlic, butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a bright squeeze of lemon. It’s an easy meal for two that’s perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly portioned for two
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Rich, creamy, and comforting
• Packed with garlic and buttery flavor
• Juicy, perfectly seared shrimp
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Finished with Parmesan, parsley, and fresh lemon

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

• 360g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 38g garlic, finely chopped, about 8–10 cloves
• 140g dry spaghetti
• 1/2 cup chicken stock, or chicken bouillon mixed with water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 5g fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Parmesan cheese, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.

Toss well until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned shrimp and sear for about 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.

Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds, or less if the pan is still very hot from cooking the shrimp.

Stir frequently and be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Stock and Cream

Pour the chicken stock into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until it becomes slightly thickened.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Lemon

Add a handful of Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Finish the sauce with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright and balanced flavor.

Step 7: Finish the Pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the creamy garlic sauce.

Pour in some of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.

Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve your desired consistency.

Step 8: Add the Shrimp and Parsley

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together for about 1 minute, just until the shrimp are warmed through.

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Taste the pasta and add more salt and black pepper if needed. Keep in mind that if your pasta water was well salted, the sauce may already have enough salt.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the creamy garlic shrimp scampi pasta immediately while hot.

Finish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and another squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Cook the spaghetti until al dente so it holds its texture when tossed with the sauce.
• Always reserve some pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
• Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to help them sear properly.
• Do not overcook the shrimp or they can become tough and rubbery.
• Keep the heat low when cooking the garlic to prevent it from burning.
• Scrape the browned bits from the skillet when adding the chicken stock for extra flavor.
• Add the pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches the consistency you like.
• Add Parmesan while the sauce is warm so it melts smoothly.
• Taste before adding extra salt because the pasta water, chicken stock, and Parmesan can already be salty.
• Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.

Variations

Customize your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta with:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil
• Extra lemon juice
• Cherry tomatoes
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Extra garlic
• Crushed black pepper

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy shrimp pasta with:

• Garlic bread
• Fresh green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

Storage

Refrigerator

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.

For the best quality, consume within 1–2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.

Add a small splash of water, chicken stock, or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms.

Stir gently until the pasta and shrimp are heated through.

Nutrition

Nutritional values will vary depending on the type and amount of shrimp, pasta, cream, butter, Parmesan, chicken stock, and other ingredients used.

For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate the recipe using the exact brands and quantities used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes. Linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, or another long pasta can work well with this creamy garlic shrimp sauce.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich. Heavy cream creates the creamiest texture.

Can I make this pasta without shrimp?

Absolutely. You can replace the shrimp with chicken, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables.

Why do I need pasta water?

Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce while allowing it to cling to the spaghetti. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook the shrimp just until they become opaque and are fully cooked. Avoid cooking them for longer than necessary.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pasta is an easy and delicious meal for two that combines juicy seared shrimp with tender spaghetti and a rich garlic cream sauce.

The butter, garlic, chicken stock, heavy cream, Parmesan, smoked paprika, parsley, and fresh lemon create a flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

Serve hot, finish with Parmesan and lemon, and enjoy this creamy garlic shrimp pasta! 🍤🍝🧄