Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Total: 20–25 mins | Serves: 4
Best For: Weeknight dinners, cozy meals, pasta nights, family favourites

Introduction

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes. Tender shrimp tossed in a silky garlic cream sauce, all wrapped around your favourite pasta — it’s simple, comforting, and full of flavour.

Perfect for busy nights, church gatherings, or feeding the family without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe uses affordable ingredients and pantry staples to create a rich, satisfying meal everyone will love.

Gathering the Ingredients

You will need:

• 300g pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)

• 400g shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh for garnish)

• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)

Optional additions:

• Add chilli flakes for spice

• Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables

• Add lemon zest for brightness

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Cook pasta according to package instructions.
   Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the shrimp
   Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
   Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
   Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
   Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the garlic cream sauce
   Add remaining butter to the pan.
   Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add cheese & combine
   Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
   Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
   Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat.

5. Finish & serve
   Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently.
   Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
   Serve warm.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook quickly!

• Pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.

• Add a squeeze of lemon for freshness.

• Use half cream, half milk for a lighter sauce.

• Great with garlic bread or a simple salad.

Why This Recipe Works

• Creamy, comforting, and family approved

• Ready in under 25 minutes

• Easy ingredients, big flavour

• Flexible — add veggies, spice, or extra cheese

• Perfect weeknight dinner

Explore More Family Favourites

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy:

• Easy One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken

• Easy Family-Friendly Pasta Salad

• Simple Family-Friendly Chili