Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner in Just 25 Minutes!

Tender shrimp are sautéed in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, then tossed with farfalle pasta for an easy and satisfying meal. This delicious shrimp pasta recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a new favorite for busy evenings.


Ingredients

For the pasta and shrimp:

  • 8 oz (240g) farfalle pasta
  • 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Cracked black pepper (to taste)

For the creamy garlic sauce:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 oz (120g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (reserve 2 tbsp of the oil)
  • 1 cup (240ml) half-and-half or whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan (or mozzarella)
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp crushed fennel seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1/8 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more, if needed)
  • 1 tbsp grated parmesan (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp:
    • Sprinkle shrimp with onion powder and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta:
    • Cook farfalle pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  3. Sauté the Shrimp:
    • Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute per side, until pink and lightly golden. Season with salt. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broth and half-and-half, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in shredded parmesan (or mozzarella) and cook on low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Season the Sauce:
    • Add dried basil, crushed fennel seeds (if using), red chili flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently in the creamy sauce. Reheat over medium heat.
  7. Finish with Shrimp:
    • Stir the cooked shrimp into the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water or more half-and-half. Simmer on low for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Garnish with grated parmesan and serve immediately.

Quick Highlights:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Enjoy this flavorful and creamy garlic shrimp pasta for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal!