This creamy Italian shrimp pasta is a crowd-pleaser! Featuring juicy shrimp in a rich and smooth sauce, it’s perfect for any dinner night. You’ll love how quick it comes together!
Who doesn’t enjoy a good pasta dish? I just toss everything in, let it simmer and suddenly my kitchen smells amazing! Perfect for impressing friends—if I don’t eat it all first! 😄
I appreciate how easy this recipe is. Just cook the pasta, sauté the shrimp, and mix in the creamy goodness. In about 30 minutes, you’re ready to enjoy a taste of Italy at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti works great, but don’t hesitate to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. They can give a nice twist to the dish!
Shrimp: I prefer large shrimp for their meaty texture. If shrimp are unavailable, you can use chicken breast diced into pieces or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
White Wine: This enhances flavor, but if you don’t want to use wine, substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for some added depth.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Getting shrimp just right can be tricky; overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. Here’s how to cook them perfectly:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and toss in the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Cook them for about 2 minutes per side. They’ll turn pink and opaque when done—don’t walk away!
- Remove them just before they’re completely cooked; they’ll continue to cook a little once added back to the sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, don’t worry! Here’s how to get it just right:
- After adding the heavy cream and cheese, keep stirring and let it simmer gently. This will help the sauce thicken naturally.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Letting it simmer helps the flavors meld, so be patient—it’s worth it!
Creamy Italian Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp butter
For Garnishing:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels indulgent!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season them with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the butter and then the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it’s soft and translucent—this should take about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it reduces by half.
4. Combine Cream and Seasonings:
Next, turn down the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and, if you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes. Keep cooking while stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens up slightly.
5. Mix in Shrimp and Tomatoes:
Add the cherry tomatoes and the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir everything together and heat for another 2 minutes to make sure everything is warmed through and well combined.
6. Toss Pasta and Serve:
Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gently add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. Once everything is nicely mixed and heated, transfer it to a serving dish.
7. Garnish:
Top your creamy Italian shrimp pasta with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
8. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and savor every bite of this rich and creamy dish! Your dinner guests will love it!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to fully thaw them before cooking. An easy way to do this is to place them in a sealed plastic bag and soak them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes, or leave them in the fridge overnight.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Keep in mind, coconut milk will give the dish a slight coconut flavor, but it can be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Italian Shrimp Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For a more hearty meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed spinach for added nutrition!
