Print

Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce is a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy shrimp are tossed with tender spaghetti and coated in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Shrimp:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cream Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp
    • In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce
    • Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
    • Stir in heavy cream and broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Combine
    • Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
    • Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, gently tossing to combine.
  5. Serve
    • Divide among plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute spaghetti with fettuccine or linguine if preferred.
  • For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.