Velvety Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Seafood pasta has always had a special place in my heart, but the best one I ever had was completely unexpected. It was during a summer getaway to a coastal town, where my friends and I stumbled upon a small beachside café. The place didn’t look fancy, but the smell of garlic butter and fresh seafood was enough to draw us in.

I ordered their shrimp pasta, and from the first bite, I was hooked. The sauce was luxuriously creamy, with just the right hint of garlic and parmesan. The shrimp were perfectly tender, soaking up all the rich flavors. It was simple yet indulgent, the kind of meal that made you want to slow down and savor every bite.

When I got home, I knew I had to recreate it. After a few tweaks, I perfected this velvety garlic shrimp pasta—a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is incredibly easy to make at home.

Velvety Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine or linguine works best)
• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken or seafood broth
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sear the Shrimp:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
   • Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Pour in the broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes (if using).

4. Combine Everything:

   • Lower the heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smooth.
   • Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and cooked shrimp back to the pan.

5. Toss with Pasta:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Final Touches & Serve:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy shrimp pasta is rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon gives it a bright, irresistible taste, making it perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion meal.