Shrimp Cream Sauce Pasta

Name: Shrimp Cream Sauce Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup white wine; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Daily Cooking

I love making Shrimp Cream Sauce Pasta for a special dinner at home. The combination of succulent shrimp and a rich, creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully. It’s quick, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I enjoy experimenting with flavors, and adding a hint of garlic and a squeeze of lemon really elevates the dish. Perfect for those busy weeknights or a cozy date night, this recipe brings the taste of a gourmet meal right to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Created by

Saskia Morton

Last updated on 2026-02-27T12:06:34.752Z

We first tried this Shrimp Cream Sauce Pasta on a rainy evening when we wanted something comforting yet delicious. The creamy sauce made with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs was the perfect match for the succulent shrimp. We discovered that adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the shrimp brings out incredible depth in flavors.

On a whim, I decided to garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. This simple addition made a significant difference in presentation and taste. It's the little details that transform a good recipe into a great one!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Silky cream sauce that effortlessly clings to each strand of pasta
Juicy shrimp cooked to perfection, adding a satisfying protein boost
Quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant for special occasions

Mastering the Cream Sauce

The cream sauce is the star of this dish and requires attention to achieve the right consistency. When adding the heavy cream, make sure to keep the heat on medium to prevent it from boiling too rapidly. You want the cream to gently simmer, allowing it to thicken and become rich and glossy. If it thickens too much, simply whisk in a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to the desired consistency.

The combination of chicken broth and heavy cream enhances the sauce's flavor without overpowering the delicate shrimp. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt levels, ensuring a balance between seasoning and richness. For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with whole milk, though this will slightly alter the creaminess.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp

Cooking shrimp can be tricky, as they require just the right timing to avoid becoming rubbery. For optimal results, keep your shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and refrain from overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cooking them for 2-3 minutes per side should give you perfectly cooked shrimp that are tender and juicy. Watch for that lovely pink color and a slight curl as indicators.

If you can't find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp work perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, ideally overnight in the refrigerator. Pat them dry before seasoning to help achieve a better sear in the skillet. This way, the shrimp will retain their moisture and contribute to the overall richness of the sauce.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Shrimp Cream Sauce Pasta

Ingredients

8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the white wine and let it reduce for 2 minutes. Then, add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.

Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with the red pepper flakes. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Pro Tips

For an added flavor boost, consider squeezing a lemon over the dish just before serving or incorporating some fresh spinach into the sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the pasta and shrimp separately, allowing them to cool before storing. Both can be refrigerated for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the shrimp gently on low heat to maintain their tenderness, and toss with freshly heated sauce and pasta to avoid overcooking.

If you plan on freezing the dish, store the sauce and pasta separately to maintain texture. The sauce can freeze well for up to a month, but adding the shrimp right before serving will ensure they remain plump and juicy. When reheating, add a splash of broth or wine to the sauce for added creaminess and to help with separation.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, serve Shrimp Cream Sauce Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. A light arugula salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette can complement the rich pasta beautifully, balancing flavors and adding freshness. Additionally, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the flavors of the dish.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes to the pasta. Sauté them briefly with the garlic before adding the cream mixture, adding both color and nutrition. This variation creates a delightful medley of flavors that elevates the dish while still keeping it simple and quick.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, but the texture may vary.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the quantity according to your spice preference.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.