If you’ve ever longed for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Packed with tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp, sun-kissed tomatoes, and a rich, cheesy garlic sauce that clings lovingly to every bite of penne pasta, this meal has all the comfort and flavor you want without any fuss. It’s creamy, garlicky, and just the right touch of spice, making it an irresistible weeknight dinner or a special treat for guests. You’ll find that each mouthful bursts with layers of taste and a delightful texture that simply makes you smile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, working together to create a delicious balance of flavors and textures that make this dish truly stand out. Each element, from the smoky paprika-spiced shrimp to the creamy, cheesy sauce enriched with garlic and fresh basil, plays a unique role in the magic of the recipe.

12 ounces penne pasta: Holds sauce beautifully with its tubular shape, giving you perfect creamy bites every time.
1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined: The star protein, tender and flavorful with just the right seasoning.
½ teaspoon salt: Brings out all the savory flavors evenly throughout the dish.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth without overpowering.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the shrimp marinade.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note that enhances the shrimp brilliantly.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing shrimp and garlic, creating a lovely base for the sauce.
3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained: Provides a sweet yet tangy burst to balance the creaminess.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings pungency and aroma that lift every mouthful.
2 cups half n half: The creamy backbone of the sauce that keeps everything luscious.
½ cup chicken stock or reserved pasta water: Adds moisture and extra depth, ensuring the sauce isn’t too thick.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle hint of heat, adjustable to your preference.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly to create a gooey texture.
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Adds salty, nutty complexity to the sauce.
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil or 1 teaspoon dried: Brings a fresh, herbal lift that brightens the entire dish.
More salt and pepper to taste: For final seasoning adjustments once everything comes together.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

The image shows six steps of making a creamy shrimp pasta sauce in a black pan on a stove with a white marbled surface. The first layer shows raw shrimp in a clear glass bowl, sprinkled with red and black spices. The second layer shows shrimp being cooked in the pan, turning pink and slightly browned. The third layer has a dark red paste and minced garlic added to the pan’s oil, spread unevenly. The fourth layer shows a creamy white sauce with orange specks being stirred, bubbling gently. The fifth layer adds shredded white cheese and grated Parmesan on top of the sauce in the pan, partially mixed in. The sixth layer shows cooked penne pasta added on the creamy sauce, ready to be stirred together, with the sauce thick and smooth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Begin by boiling your penne pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, which means it has a slight bite but is fully cooked. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water if you’re not using chicken stock—it’s gold for adjusting the sauce consistency later and adds a touch of starchiness that helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, toss your shrimp with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to infuse them with a smoky, savory flavor boost. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp for about two minutes per side until they’re just cooked through and slightly caramelized—this quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy. Remove the shrimp and set them aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base

Lower the heat slightly and add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic into the same skillet, letting them sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This step releases their flavors into the oil and creates the perfect foundation for your sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the half n half along with chicken stock (or the reserved pasta water) and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Let this mixture simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just right. Once thickened, turn off the heat and whisk in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses until your sauce is silky, cheesy, and completely smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Finally, fold the cooked penne, fresh basil, and sautéed shrimp into the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated, the shrimp are nestled in perfectly, and the aromatic basil has added its fresh, green note. Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is ready to delight!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A close-up view of creamy pasta in a black skillet on a white marbled surface, showing a mix of light yellow penne pasta coated in a thick, creamy white sauce with small hints of spices. Scattered in and on top of the pasta are several browned shrimp with a reddish-brown grilled texture. Small green herb bits are sprinkled around the dish, adding color contrast. A dark wooden spoon rests inside the skillet, partially covered with sauce and pasta, stirring the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a few torn basil leaves on top for an inviting presentation and an extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving can also elevate the dish’s richness and shine.

Side Dishes

Fresh green salads with a bright vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread, or lightly roasted vegetables make fantastic companions to this lush pasta. These sides add freshness or crunch that balance the creamy textures beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe in individual small cast iron skillets or in rustic bowls for a cozy, personal touch. Garnishing with edible flowers or lemon wedges can also add an unexpected pop of color and zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before sealing, make sure the dish has cooled to avoid moisture buildup which can affect texture.

Freezing

This creamy pasta doesn’t freeze as well due to the dairy content, which can sometimes separate. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately and combine freshly made pasta and sauce when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from clumping or the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect because of its shape that holds sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti, depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful tang and sweetness, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed quickly or simply omit them; the dish will still be delicious.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try using coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute for half n half and vegan cheese alternatives to mimic the creamy, cheesy texture. Keep in mind the flavor will be different but still satisfying.

What can I use instead of chicken stock?

If you’re vegetarian or don’t have chicken stock, reserved pasta water works wonderfully to give the sauce moisture and help it thicken thanks to the starch from the pasta.

How do I adjust the spice level?

The red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your taste or omitted altogether if you prefer no heat. You can also add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce if you want more kick after the dish is prepared.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves a luscious, comforting meal that feels fancy but is easy to make. The way those flavors come together—from smoky shrimp to tangy sun-dried tomatoes and rich, cheesy sauce—is nothing short of delightful. I encourage you to dive in and try making it yourself; trust me, this recipe will quickly carve out a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!