If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress, easy creamy shrimp pasta is the perfect choice. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a special dinner. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta
This easy creamy shrimp pasta recipe is a favorite for many reasons. It’s not only quick to make but also versatile and packed with flavour. The creamy sauce, made with garlic, and butter, coats the pasta perfectly, while the shrimp adds a touch of elegance and a burst of protein. The best part? You can have this delicious dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
The creamy sauce comes together effortlessly and can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer a hint of spice or want to add some extra vegetables, this recipe is easy to adjust. Plus, the combination of creamy sauce and juicy shrimp makes it a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring a meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Creating this easy creamy shrimp pasta is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to get it done:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work well)
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup four-cheese marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 cup of half-and-half cream
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk (can sub with extra half and half)
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley to garnish
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. - Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turns pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Remove and set aside - Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the oil and onions and sauté the onions until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce, ketchup, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. - Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated. Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix them into the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. - Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta and serve immediately.
Easy Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work well)
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup marinara four-cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup I used Heinz no sugar added
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp parsley chopped to garnish
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Add salt to taste. Remove and set aside
- In the same pan, add the olive oil, followed by onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
- Add the marinara sauce, ketchup, red pepper flakes, and sweetener. Stir well
- Add the half and half and coconut milk to the skillet and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the spaghetti to the skillet and stir well to combine.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix well
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Tips for Making Creamy Shrimp Pasta
- For the best creamy shrimp pasta, it’s important to cook the shrimp just right. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, so keep an eye on them while cooking. They should be pink and opaque, which typically takes only a few minutes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the cream simmer for a little longer before adding the pasta. On the other hand, if you want a lighter sauce, substitute half of the cream with milk or chicken broth. For extra flavour, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic.
- This recipe is also versatile in terms of ingredients. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra colour and nutrients.
- You can also add Parmesan or add a bit of mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy texture.
- For a dairy-free version, eliminate butter and double the olive oil. You can also remove the half and half and double up on the coconut milk.
Variations of Creamy Shrimp Pasta
While this easy creamy shrimp pasta recipe is already delicious, there are several ways you can modify it to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Creamy Shrimp Pasta: If you love a bit of heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta: For a zesty twist, increase the amount of garlic and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving. The lemon juice brightens up the creamy sauce and adds a refreshing tang.
- Bacon Creamy Shrimp Pasta: Add crispy bacon bits to the pasta for an extra layer of smoky flavour. The bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and juicy shrimp.
These variations allow you to customize the dish based on your taste, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Conclusion
Easy creamy shrimp pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of creamy, savoury, and seafood flavours in one delightful dish. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavour, and versatile enough to suit any palate. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this creamy shrimp pasta is sure to be a hit.
Ready to make this delicious dish at home? Grab your ingredients and follow the simple steps above to enjoy a creamy, flavorful pasta that’s guaranteed to please. Try it tonight and savour the rich taste of this easy, restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen!
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