Irresistible Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy, luxurious spaghetti with shrimp in cream sauce promises an indulgent dining experience that whisks you straight to coastal Italian kitchens.

Seafood enthusiasts adore this elegant dish for its rich, velvety texture and delicate maritime flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine through each perfectly cooked pasta strand, complemented by succulent shrimp swimming in a decadent sauce.

Garlic and parmesan add depth and complexity to this simple yet sophisticated meal.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the presentation and add a vibrant green accent.

Let’s dive into this irresistible culinary journey that will make everyone at your table ask for seconds.

Creative Takes On Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a lighter, plant-based sauce.
• Protein Variation: Swap shrimp with chicken breast or scallops for a different protein option while maintaining the creamy sauce's core flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Sea Option: Use cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash strands instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the seafood and sauce intact.

What Pairs Well With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy shrimp sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side with toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic and olive oil, ideal for soaking up the delectable sauce.
• Match Fresh Arugula Salad: Prepare a light salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the dish's creamy texture and provide a zesty contrast.
• Enhance with Citrus Notes: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving to brighten the entire dish and enhance the shrimp's delicate flavor profile.

Storage Tips For Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Store leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months to preserve quality.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce's creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's consistency, adding a small amount of liquid if needed.

Questions About Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Is it okay to use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.

• Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Light cream or half-and-half can work, but the sauce might be less rich and creamy. For a lighter option, use whole milk, understanding the sauce will be thinner.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be used, but use about 1/3 the amount of fresh. Alternatively, chopped chives or green onions make good substitutes.

Why Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Is A Treat

• Boost Flavor Fast: Elevate your meal with a restaurant-quality dish that delivers rich, creamy goodness in minutes.
• Impress Without Stress: Master a gourmet-style shrimp pasta that looks complicated but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for romantic dates, family meals, or quick weeknight dinners that satisfy everyone's cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding extra spices, swapping proteins, or adjusting cream levels to match personal taste preferences.

What You Need For Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect base for capturing the creamy shrimp sauce.

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate, sweet flavor and tender texture to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Combination creates a rich, flavorful foundation for the sauce with a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers a silky, indulgent consistency that coats the pasta and shrimp perfectly.

• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, fresh element that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty dimension that complements the shrimp and creates depth of flavor.

Directions For Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

Step 1: Boil Water for Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a vigorous boil, ready to cook the spaghetti until it reaches a perfectly tender al dente texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Carefully dry the shrimp using paper towels, removing any excess moisture to ensure a beautiful sear when cooking.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In a spacious skillet, combine olive oil and butter, heating over medium-high temperature to develop a rich, aromatic foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet, gently cooking for about 30-45 seconds until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Cook Shrimp

Introduce the shrimp to the hot skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a beautiful pink color and light golden edges that signal perfect doneness.

Step 6: Build Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer and slightly thicken for 3-4 minutes, creating a luxurious coating.

Step 7: Season the Dish

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the cooked spaghetti, keeping a small amount of pasta water nearby. Gently fold the pasta into the creamy shrimp mixture, ensuring every strand gets perfectly coated.

Step 9: Finish with Fresh Touches

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest over the dish, adding a bright and zesty finish.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Top the dish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, flavorful meal.

Cooking Tips For Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture with paper towels to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
• Control Garlic Cooking: Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning to maintain a delicate, sweet flavor profile.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Keep a small amount of starchy cooking liquid to help sauce cling better and adjust consistency if needed.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize heat by adding red pepper flakes or omitting for a milder sauce that suits different taste preferences.
• Fresh Finishing Touches: Sprinkle chopped parsley and lemon zest at the end to brighten flavors and add a fresh, aromatic dimension to the dish.

Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti with shrimp delights palates with its luxurious Italian-inspired blend of tender seafood and silky sauce. Home cooks savor this elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Garnish and Optional Extras:

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, preparing to cook the spaghetti until it reaches an al dente texture, typically around 8-10 minutes.
2. While the water heats, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure optimal searing and prevent excess moisture.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
4. Sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn the delicate aromatics.
5. Introduce the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a light golden exterior.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the sauce to simmer and slightly thicken for 3-4 minutes.
7. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
8. Drain the perfectly cooked spaghetti, reserving a small amount of pasta water to help bind the sauce if needed.
9. Gently fold the spaghetti into the creamy shrimp mixture, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
10. Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and lemon zest over the dish for a bright, fresh finish.
11. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese just before serving, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm sauce.

Notes

• Pat shrimp completely dry to achieve a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Use high-quality, fresh shrimp for the most vibrant flavor and tender texture in your final dish.
• Keep pasta water handy to help emulsify and adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick or dry.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by removing them from heat the moment they turn pink to maintain delicate, juicy meat.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like chicken or scallops for dietary variety without changing core recipe technique.
• Consider using gluten-free spaghetti for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same creamy, luxurious experience.
• Reduce cream sauce calories by substituting half-and-half or using lighter cream alternatives without sacrificing richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg