Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti

Are you searching for a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner that the whole family will adore? Look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti! This delightful dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. Prepare for enthusiastic requests for second helpings – it’s that good!

As a home cook, I understand the constant quest for easy, delicious meals, and this shrimp spaghetti recipe perfectly fits the bill. It’s my go-to when time is short, but I refuse to compromise on taste. The kids consistently clear their plates without a single complaint, which, as any parent knows, is a monumental victory in itself. If you’ve got some shrimp patiently waiting in your freezer, this is the sign you’ve been looking for to transform it into tonight’s culinary masterpiece!

If you’re looking to explore more delightful pasta creations, be sure to also check out my Jalapeño Mac and Cheese for a spicy kick or my comforting Creamy Red Pepper Pasta. Both are incredibly simple to prepare and rely on readily available pantry ingredients, proving that gourmet flavors don’t require extensive effort.

Essential Ingredients for Your Shrimp Spaghetti

Crafting this incredible Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that combine to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Spaghetti: The classic choice for this dish, spaghetti provides the perfect vehicle for the rich sauce. However, feel free to experiment with other long pasta shapes like angel hair pasta for a more delicate bite, linguine, or even fettuccine if you prefer a wider noodle.
• Shrimp: Opt for raw shrimp that is already deveined, peeled, and has the tails removed for maximum convenience. This saves valuable prep time. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, just ensure frozen shrimp are properly thawed before cooking.
• Black Pepper: A foundational seasoning that adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• Pepper Flakes: (Optional) For those who enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a welcome kick. Feel free to use more if you like it spicier.
• Onion Powder: Provides a concentrated, savory onion flavor without the texture or moisture of fresh onions, blending seamlessly into the marinade.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the shrimp. Adjust to taste, keeping in mind that Parmesan cheese also contributes salinity.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount here. Its bright, zesty acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and Parmesan, adding a crucial layer of freshness and flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible, as it often lacks the vibrant taste of fresh.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness, a hint of smokiness, and a beautiful reddish hue to the shrimp, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
• Pasta Water: Don’t discard this golden liquid! Reserving about 1 cup of starchy pasta water is key. It helps to deglaze the pan, create a silky, emulsified sauce, and bind all the flavors together beautifully.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to give you control over the overall saltiness of the dish. It forms the rich, flavorful base of the sauce, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Olive Oil: Used in conjunction with butter, olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning at higher temperatures and contributes its own distinct, mellow fruitiness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is the star of this dish, infusing the entire pasta with its aromatic, pungent flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic – about 4 large cloves is a good starting point.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and a burst of herbaceous freshness, both mixed into the pasta and used as a garnish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is crucial for that salty, umami-rich, cheesy goodness that ties everything together. Avoid pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents and lack the superior flavor and texture of fresh.

Crafting Your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti that will impress everyone at your table:

1. Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – firm to the bite. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” will be essential for creating the luscious sauce.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, prepare your shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine the cleaned and prepped raw shrimp with freshly squeezed lemon juice, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. If you enjoy a touch of heat, now is the time to add the optional pepper flakes. Toss everything gently to ensure the shrimp is evenly coated with the seasonings. Let it marinate for a few minutes while you move to the next step; this brief soak will infuse the shrimp with incredible flavor.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and a splash of olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for a mere 10-15 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be very careful not to let it brown or burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.



4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the marinated raw shrimp to the skillet with the fragrant garlic. Spread the shrimp in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, flipping the pieces occasionally, until they turn opaque and lightly browned. It’s crucial not to overcook the shrimp, as it can quickly become rubbery. It’s done when it’s pink and curled.



5. Deglaze and Combine: Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this step, known as deglazing, adds immense flavor to your sauce. Immediately add the cooked spaghetti and the grated Parmesan cheese to the pan. Use tongs to toss everything together vigorously, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to fully melt, creating a cohesive, delicious dish. Remove from heat promptly.



6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti to serving plates. Garnish generously with additional fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, a dash of pepper flakes (if desired) can be added. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Expert Tips and Handy Notes for Success

To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti turns out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips and notes in mind:

• Save Time on Prep: To significantly cut down on your preparation time, purchase shrimp that are already peeled, deveined, and have their tails removed. Many grocery stores offer this convenient option in both fresh and frozen varieties.
• Embrace Fresh Lemon Juice: While bottled lemon juice is convenient, its flavor pales in comparison to freshly squeezed lemon juice. The fresh variety offers a brighter, lighter, and more vibrant acidity that truly elevates the dish and provides a crucial counterpoint to the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of spicy food, feel free to add an extra pinch of pepper flakes or even a small splash of your favorite hot sauce to the pan sauce when you add the pasta water. This will give it a wonderful fiery kick.
• Mind the Shrimp Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks very quickly. You’ll know it’s done when it turns opaque and pink. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s perfectly cooked.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: While parsley adds a fantastic fresh note, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs. Fresh basil, chopped chives, or a hint of oregano can add wonderful layers of flavor to this dish. Add them in the final stages of cooking or as a garnish.
• Quick Thawing for Frozen Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp and forgot to thaw it overnight, no worries! Simply place the sealed bag of frozen shrimp in a bowl under cold running water. It should thaw completely in about 20-30 minutes, allowing you to proceed with the recipe without delay.
• Cheese, Please!: Don’t be shy with the Parmesan cheese. If you love a cheesier pasta, feel free to add a little more than the recipe suggests. Freshly grated is always best for superior flavor and melt.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce, so a little firmness is ideal to prevent mushy pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Shrimp Pasta

I genuinely hope you thoroughly enjoy every recipe I share with you, especially this mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti. It’s a dish crafted with love and designed for busy lives, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. Give it a try tonight, share it with your loved ones, and savor the incredible taste!

If you make this irresistible recipe and love it as much as we do, please share your delicious creations with me using my hashtag on INSTAGRAM. Your culinary adventures inspire me! Also, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for all my latest recipes, cooking tips, and social updates. Happy cooking!