A restaurant-style pasta that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for dinner. You can make it creamy or light (scampi-style). Below is the complete detailed version with tips and variations.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine

• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the Garlic Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 5–6 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup chicken broth (or white grape juice)

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamy version)

• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Boil the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

• Cook pasta until al dente.

• Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

2️⃣ Season the Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry.

• Toss with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.

3️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

• Heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add shrimp in a single layer.

• Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.

• Remove shrimp (do NOT overcook).

4️⃣ Make Garlic Sauce

• Lower heat to medium.

• Add remaining butter.

• Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds (don’t brown).

• Pour in broth and simmer 2–3 minutes.

👉 For creamy version:
Add heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thick.

5️⃣ Combine Everything

• Add cooked pasta to skillet.

• Toss with sauce.

• Add reserved pasta water if needed for silkier texture.

• Stir in parmesan and lemon juice.

• Return shrimp to pan and toss gently.

6️⃣ Finish

• Sprinkle fresh parsley.

• Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

• Serve immediately.

🔥 Pro Tips

✔ Don’t overcook shrimp (they turn rubbery).
✔ Use freshly grated parmesan (melts better).
✔ Save pasta water – it makes sauce glossy.
✔ Cook shrimp separately for best texture.

🌶 Flavor Variations

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Add extra ¼ cup cream + ¼ cup mozzarella.

Spicy Cajun Style

Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning to shrimp.

Mediterranean Style

Add cherry tomatoes + spinach.

Low-Carb Version

Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

🕒 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: 2–3 days airtight.
Reheat gently with splash of milk or broth.
Not ideal for freezing (cream sauce separates).

🔢 Nutrition (Creamy Version – Approx per serving)

• Calories: 520–600

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 50g

• Fat: 22–28g

• WW Points: 10–13

Here are the most common questions people ask when making Garlic Shrimp Pasta:

❓ Q1: How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

✅ Shrimp turn pink and opaque with a slight “C” shape.
If they curl tightly into an “O,” they’re overcooked.

❓ Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?

✅ Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid watery sauce.

❓ Q3: Why is my sauce watery?

✔ Pasta water wasn’t reduced enough
✔ Shrimp released moisture
✔ Not enough parmesan
👉 Simmer sauce longer and add a little reserved pasta water gradually.

❓ Q4: How do I prevent rubbery shrimp?

✔ Cook only 1–2 minutes per side
✔ Remove from heat as soon as pink
✔ Add back to sauce at the very end

❓ Q5: Can I make it without cream?

✅ Yes! Skip cream for a lighter scampi-style version using:

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Garlic

• Lemon juice

• Pasta water

❓ Q6: What pasta works best?

✔ Linguine
✔ Spaghetti
✔ Fettuccine
✔ Angel hair (lighter option)

❓ Q7: Can I add vegetables?

✅ Absolutely! Great options:

• Spinach

• Cherry tomatoes

• Mushrooms

• Broccoli

Add them after garlic and sauté briefly.