Heavenly Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy, delectable shrimp spaghetti in a silky cream sauce promises an elegant dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.

Tender pink shrimp nestle perfectly against smooth pasta strands.

Each forkful delivers rich, velvety flavors that dance across your palate.

The delicate seafood blends seamlessly with a luxurious sauce that brings subtle complexity to every bite.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth while fresh herbs provide a bright, aromatic finish.

Quick to prepare and stunning to serve, this dish transforms an ordinary evening into a sophisticated culinary experience.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a gourmet destination with this irresistible seafood classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Spaghetti: Thin, long pasta that creates perfect sauce-holding texture, select high-quality wheat pasta for authentic Italian flavor.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Creates rich foundation for cooking, choose extra virgin olive oil for deeper taste or unsalted butter for creamy sensation.

• Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that adds delicate ocean flavor, select fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp for best quality and sustainable sourcing.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that provides deep, pungent undertone, choose fresh garlic cloves with firm, plump appearance.
• White Wine: Adds sophisticated depth and acidity, select dry varieties like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture, opt for high-fat content cream for richer consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, salty complexity, use freshly grated authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for superior flavor.

• Red Chili Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and subtle spiciness, adjust quantity based on personal heat preference.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens overall flavor profile, use fresh-squeezed for vibrant zesty notes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers, select freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, herbaceous garnish, choose bright green leaves with crisp appearance.

Cooking Tools For Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti in salted water.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for cooking shrimp and creating creamy sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring sauce and tossing pasta.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked spaghetti.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for measuring pasta water and cream.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Steps To Make Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Toss in a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil and gently drop in the spaghetti. Cook until it’s tender yet firm, following package guidelines. Save a splash of pasta water before draining.

• Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Warm a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Drop in the shrimp and let them dance in the pan. Cook for a couple of minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink. Scoop them out and set aside.

• Craft Creamy Sauce Magic

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and a pinch of red chili flakes. Let them sizzle and release their aromatic charm. Pour in white wine and let it bubble and reduce. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, watching it transform. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese until it melts into a silky blanket. Season with a squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water.

• Bring It All Together

Tumble the cooked spaghetti and shrimp into the creamy sauce. Gently toss until every strand is coated. Scatter some fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side for those who love an extra cheesy kick.

Tips To Change Up Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Never overcook shrimp by watching for a bright pink color and slight curl – they'll turn rubbery if cooked too long. Remove from heat immediately when they're opaque.
• Sauce Rescue Trick: If cream sauce breaks or looks grainy, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to restore smooth consistency and add extra richness.
• Quick Weeknight Hack: Use frozen pre-peeled shrimp to dramatically reduce preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red chili flakes based on personal heat preference – start with a pinch and gradually increase for those who enjoy more kick.

Serving Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Rich And Creamy

• Coastal Dinner Date: Create a romantic seaside-inspired table setting with soft blue linens, seashell decorations, and candles to complement the elegant shrimp pasta.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Match the dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that enhances the creamy sauce and brings out the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Top each serving with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh basil or chives to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish's presentation and taste.
• Side Salad Symphony: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cream sauce and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storage Ideas For Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the spaghetti and shrimp dish reach room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Technique: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, keeping the sauce and pasta separate to maintain texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore moisture and prevent the sauce from separating, stirring frequently over medium-low heat.
• Freezing Wisdom: While cream-based sauces can be tricky to freeze, you can store the shrimp and sauce separately for up to 1 month, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating carefully.

Silky Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy spaghetti with succulent shrimp brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Luxurious pasta promises an elegant meal ready in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
• 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsps parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)
• Water (for boiling)
• Salt (for boiling pasta)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge spaghetti in heavily salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Reserve a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
2. Shrimp Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, quickly sauté shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside on a separate plate.
3. Flavor Infusion: In the same skillet, toast garlic and red chili flakes briefly. Deglaze with white wine, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate the aromatic flavors.
4. Sauce Creation: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking in Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. Incorporate lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water.
5. Final Assembly: Merge spaghetti and shrimp into the creamy sauce, tossing gently to ensure complete coating. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Pasta Water Preservation: Save some starchy pasta water before draining to help create a silkier, more cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti strands.
• Shrimp Cooking Precision: Remove shrimp from heat the moment they turn opaque to prevent rubbery texture; overcooking transforms tender morsels into tough, chewy bites.
• Flavor Layering Technique: Use the same skillet for cooking shrimp and building sauce to capture and incorporate delicious caramelized seafood remnants, enhancing overall depth of flavor.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lower-fat versions; use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg