The Ultimate Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Sauce Recipe

Creamy white shrimp spaghetti dances with delicate flavors that promise an elegant dinner experience.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspired this simple yet sophisticated meal.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful combination of tender seafood and silky sauce.

Crisp herbs and delicate shrimp create magical moments around the dinner table.

Each twirled forkful brings comfort and excitement to your plate.

Sea-kissed ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a restaurant-quality dish you can craft in minutes.

Prepare to impress with this foolproof recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something spectacular.

Why Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Feels Fancy

• Whip Up a Quick Gourmet Meal: This spaghetti with shrimp recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving something special.
• Master a Versatile Weeknight Dinner: The recipe adapts easily to different skill levels, requiring minimal cooking techniques while delivering maximum flavor with just a few ingredients like shrimp, cream, and pasta.
• Create an Impressive Date Night Dish: Elegant enough to wow your partner but simple enough to prepare without stress, this creamy shrimp pasta feels luxurious yet effortless, making it ideal for romantic evenings at home.
• Customize with Endless Variations: Swap out white wine for chicken broth, adjust spice levels with chili flakes, or add vegetables like spinach to make the dish uniquely yours while keeping the delicious core recipe intact.

Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Ingredients

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta perfect for holding creamy sauces. Whole wheat or regular options work well.
• Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that cooks quickly. Fresh or frozen shrimp are both suitable.

• Heavy Cream: Rich base for creating a smooth, luxurious sauce. Use full-fat cream for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the sauce. Freshly grated provides superior flavor.
• White Wine: Brings complexity and acidity to the sauce. Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust flavor foundation. Fresh garlic cloves recommended.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy element that balances the richness of the cream.

• Olive Oil or Butter: Provides fat for cooking shrimp and creating sauce base. Use high-quality options.
• Red Chili Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding mild heat. Adjust according to spice preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish. Freshly ground pepper preferred.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal notes and visual appeal. Finely chopped just before serving.

How To Cook Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop the spaghetti into the bubbling water and cook until it’s tender yet slightly firm. Scoop out some pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will be your secret sauce helper later.

Step 2: Sizzle Those Succulent Shrimp

Grab a skillet and warm up some olive oil. Toss in the shrimp and let them dance in the pan. Watch them transform from gray to a beautiful pink in just a few minutes. Once they’re cooked through, rescue them from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Cream Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Red chili flakes (optional kick)
• A splash of white wine

Swirl these together until the kitchen fills with mouth-watering aromas. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a silky blanket of deliciousness. Season with a squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Reunite the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. Gently toss until every strand is coated in the luxurious sauce. If it feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Plate your creation and shower it with fresh chopped parsley. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and inviting.

Tips To Make Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Better

• Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce perfectly, creating a silky smooth texture that clings beautifully to your spaghetti.
• Quick Shrimp Tip: Remove shrimp from heat immediately after turning pink to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Garlic Perfection: Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic flavors without burning, ensuring a sweet and mellow base for your cream sauce.
• Wine Selection Hack: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to add depth and brightness to the cream sauce without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version that maintains the creamy richness of the original recipe.

Store Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover spaghetti with shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Cover the dish completely to prevent moisture loss and odor absorption.
• Quickly cool the pasta to room temperature before storing to maintain optimal texture.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce's creamy consistency.
• Avoid microwaving, which can make shrimp rubbery and dry out the sauce.
• Separate the shrimp and pasta when storing if possible to prevent overcooking during reheating.
• Freeze this dish is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate and lose its smooth texture when thawed.

What To Serve With Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy shrimp pasta with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, zesty wines complement the richness of the sauce while cutting through the cream's heaviness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the creamy pasta. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will refresh the palate and add a bright, crisp element to the meal.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious cream sauce. The buttery, garlicky bread provides a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor dimension to the dish.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: End the meal with a light, palate-cleansing lemon sorbet. Its citrusy brightness will echo the lemon in the sauce and provide a refreshing finish to this rich, creamy meal.

Try These Twists On Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace white wine with dry vermouth and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Substitute regular seasoning with Cajun spice blend, incorporate andouille sausage, and add bell peppers for a New Orleans-style rendition.
• Creamy Herb Infusion: Blend fresh basil, thyme, and chives into the sauce, then top with toasted pine nuts for an aromatic herb-enriched version.
• Coconut Curry Transformation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk, add mild curry powder, and include diced green onions for a Southeast Asian-inspired adaptation.

Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Jumbo or large shrimp are perfect for this dish. They cook quickly, have a tender texture, and look beautiful when served. Medium-sized shrimp also work well if jumbo aren’t available.

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent alternatives. Choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well and has a similar cooking time.

• Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?

While white wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, you can substitute it with chicken broth or extra pasta water if you prefer not to use alcohol. The key is maintaining the overall liquid balance in the recipe.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery. Cooking them for 2-3 minutes per side ensures they remain tender and juicy.

Spaghetti With Shrimp In Cream Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luxurious spaghetti with shrimp in cream sauce brings Italian coastal elegance to dinner tables. Silky noodles intertwine with succulent seafood, creating a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Seasoning and Garnish:

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Water and salt (for boiling)

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Instructions

1. Immerse spaghetti in a generously salted water bath, allowing it to dance and soften until perfectly tender. Carefully extract a modest portion of the starchy liquid before straining the pasta.
2. Awaken shrimp in a sizzling pan with olive oil, transforming them from translucent to a vibrant pink. Gently transfer the succulent morsels to a waiting plate once they’ve achieved a delicate opaque gleam.
3. Infuse the same skillet with aromatic garlic and fiery red chili flakes, releasing their intense fragrance for a brief moment. Deglaze the pan with a splash of crisp white wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate its essence.
4. Introduce velvety heavy cream to the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Whisk in delicate Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, silky embrace.
5. Elevate the sauce with a bright squeeze of lemon juice, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Reunite the cooked spaghetti and perfectly prepared shrimp within the creamy sauce, gently folding them together to ensure complete coverage.
7. Scatter fresh parsley across the dish, adding a final flourish of color and brightness. Present immediately, with additional Parmesan available for enthusiastic sprinklers.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water before draining, as its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of spaghetti.
• Seafood Precision: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture, which happens quickly in about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Lower heat when adding cream to prevent splitting, and use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a smooth, creamy finish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 668 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg