Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Cream Sauce
This Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Cream Sauce brings together bold flavors and creamy richness for a perfect weeknight dinner. Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes make this dish irresistible and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients List
8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
¾ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
½ cup chicken broth or white wine
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
Deglaze with chicken broth or wine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
Return shrimp to the pan and toss in lemon juice.
Add cooked pasta and stir to coat in the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Makes 3–4 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 480
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth
Best served fresh—not ideal for freezing
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
Use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp if preferred
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for any season—great as a cozy dinner or a seafood-inspired summer dish
Impressive enough for guests, but easy enough for weeknights
Conclusion
Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Cream Sauce is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that’s both indulgent and quick to make. The balance of spice and richness makes it a go-to favorite for shrimp and pasta lovers alike.
Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Cream Sauce
3–4
servings10
minutes20
minutes480
kcalTender shrimp tossed in a spicy garlic cream sauce with pasta—rich, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
¾ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
½ cup chicken broth or white wine
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with chicken broth or wine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss in lemon juice.
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
Add more lemon juice for extra brightness
Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid overcooking
FAQs
Q1: Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner—add more Parmesan to help thicken.
Q2: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes—just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Q3: What type of shrimp works best?
Medium or large shrimp work well; just be sure they’re peeled and deveined.
