Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Decadent, divine, and oh-so-delicious! Herbs and garlic come together with cream and shrimp in an unforgettable pasta dish that is quick to make—whether it's a romantic stay-in date night or a family dinner.

Course Main

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 658kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

8 ounces (250g) spaghetti (or other pasta)
1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
salt and pepper to taste
¾ teaspoon (3-4g) Creole seasoning (see notes)
2 ounces (60g) unsalted butter or more (olive oil also works)
2 teaspoons (10g) minced garlic
½ teaspoon (1-2g) paprika
1 teaspoon (1g) fresh thyme, minced (⅓ teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon (1-2g) fresh oregano, minced (⅓ teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon (5g) tomato paste (optional, but highly recommended)
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120ml) milk
½ cup (120ml) chicken stock
½ lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons (7-8g) chopped parsley
½ cup (60g) Parmigiano Reggiano
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Boil pasta in a large pot according to the box instructions. Drain and set aside.
Lightly season shrimp with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning.
Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil or butter over medium heat in a skillet. Sauté the shrimp for 3-5 minutes or until lightly cooked, and set aside.
Add the butter and garlic to the skillet. Next, add paprika, thyme, and oregano. Stir the mixture for about a minute or until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the cream, milk, lemon juice, and chicken stock. Heat it to a boil and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Add cheese (if using). Stir for about a minute, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add more chicken broth if needed.
Bring it to a boil, then simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
Stir the pasta into the sauce, allowing your pasta to soak up some of the sauce. Add the shrimp, garnish with parsley, and stir. Enjoy!

Notes

Salt the pasta water until it tastes like the ocean.
Feel free to add more cream or replace part of the milk with cream for a more decadent sauce.
Italian, blackened, and seafood seasonings are a great substitute for Creole if you'd like a flavor swap.
Start checking your pasta for doneness shortly before it should be ready to ensure it doesn't overcook. Residual heat will finish it after assembling.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition