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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Ready in 20 Minutes - Fast, Comforting, and Delicious

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large; tails optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

Method
 

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Sear the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Build the sauce base: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Stir in garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
  5. Deglaze: Pour in white wine or broth. Simmer 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
  6. Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Lower heat if it bubbles too hard.
  7. Add cheese and brightness: Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Toss with pasta: Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until glossy and well-coated.
  9. Finish with shrimp: Return shrimp to the pan. Toss 30–60 seconds to warm through. Adjust with more lemon, pepper, or pasta water as needed.
  10. Serve: Top with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.