As a food blogger who’s spent countless evenings juggling work, family, and dinner prep, I know the struggle of wanting a meal that’s delicious, healthy, and fast. These five creamy shrimp pasta recipes are my go-to solutions for stress-free weeknights. Each dish is packed with flavor, uses accessible ingredients, and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy professionals, health-conscious folks, or families craving something special. From a garlicky lemon shrimp linguine to a spicy Cajun-inspired pasta, these recipes bring restaurant-quality meals to your table without the fuss. I’ve poured my love for cooking into these dishes, inspired by cozy family dinners and my passion for simple, wholesome ingredients. Pin these recipes to your meal plan and make weeknights a breeze! Ready to dive in? Check out the table of contents below and let’s get cooking.
Lemon Garlic Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Growing up, my family had a tradition of seafood dinners on Fridays, and shrimp was always the star. This lemon garlic creamy shrimp pasta became a staple because it’s so easy yet feels like a treat. The bright lemon zest cuts through the rich cream sauce, while garlic adds that cozy, aromatic depth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. I love how the shrimp cooks in minutes, making this a lifesaver for my hectic evenings. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a quick, flavorful meal, this dish delivers. Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out in the comments!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp red pepper flakes for heat
Preparation Steps:
- Cook linguine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic in the same skillet for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice; simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Toss in linguine and shrimp; stir to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, if desired.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 4
Customization & Tips:
- Swap linguine for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
This Cajun shrimp Alfredo is my secret weapon when I’m craving bold flavors but short on time. Inspired by my love for Southern cuisine, the spicy Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp a kick, while the creamy Alfredo sauce keeps things indulgent. I first made this for a friend’s dinner party, and it was a hit—everyone asked for the recipe! It’s perfect for health-conscious folks who want a decadent meal without the guilt, as you can lighten it up with half-and-half. This dish is a weeknight game-changer, especially for families who love a little heat. Pin this for your next dinner and spice up your evening!
Ingredients:
- 10 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Preparation Steps:
- Cook fettuccine per package instructions; drain and reserve.
- Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp.
- Add garlic to skillet; sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan; cook 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add fettuccine and shrimp; toss to combine.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 4
Customization & Tips:
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat with a splash of milk.
- Pair with garlic bread for extra indulgence.
Creamy Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti
Nothing says comfort like this creamy pesto shrimp spaghetti. I discovered this recipe during a summer trip to Italy, where fresh basil pesto stole my heart. Back home, I tweaked it to make it quick and weeknight-friendly, adding shrimp for protein and a creamy twist for richness. It’s a favorite in my house because it’s versatile—perfect for busy professionals or picky kids. The vibrant pesto and succulent shrimp make every bite a delight, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. This is your go-to for a healthy, flavorful dinner that feels gourmet. Share your version in the comments!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade basil pesto
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved, for color
Preparation Steps:
- Cook spaghetti according to package; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- Stir in pesto and cream; simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and stir until melted.
- Toss spaghetti and shrimp in the sauce; add tomatoes if using.
- Serve with extra Parmesan on top.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 4
Customization & Tips:
- Use zucchini noodles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Store leftovers for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce.
- Serve with a lemon wedge for a fresh zing.
Tomato Basil Shrimp Linguine
This tomato basil shrimp linguine is my ode to summer dinners with my family. The sweet, tangy tomato sauce paired with fresh basil and juicy shrimp feels like a hug on a plate. I love making this when I need a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s ideal for families or anyone looking for a light yet satisfying meal. The sauce comes together while the pasta cooks, making it a weeknight hero. As a food blogger, I’ve tweaked this recipe over years to keep it simple yet vibrant. Pin this for your next dinner and let me know how it goes!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguine
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp sugar to balance acidity
Preparation Steps:
- Cook linguine per package instructions; drain and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp; cook 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and sugar (if using); simmer 5 minutes.
- Stir in shrimp, basil, and linguine; toss to coat.
- Serve with a sprinkle of basil.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 4
Customization & Tips:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water.
- Pair with a crisp white wine for a fancy touch.
Mushroom Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine
This mushroom spinach shrimp fettuccine is my go-to when I want a healthy, veggie-packed meal that still feels indulgent. I started making this during my vegetarian phase, adding shrimp later for extra protein. The earthy mushrooms and wilted spinach pair beautifully with the creamy sauce, making it a hit with my family. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, nutritious, and comforting. As a food blogger, I love how this recipe balances flavor and ease, using ingredients you likely have on hand. Try it and let me know how it fits into your dinner rotation!
Ingredients:
- 10 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: lemon zest for brightness
Preparation Steps:
- Cook fettuccine per package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp; cook 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add cream and Parmesan; simmer 3 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in spinach until wilted, then add shrimp and fettuccine; toss.
- Serve with a sprinkle of lemon zest, if desired.
Preparation Info:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 4
Customization & Tips:
- Swap spinach for kale for a heartier green.
- Store leftovers for up to 2 days; reheat gently.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Meal Prep Tips
These creamy shrimp pasta recipes are perfect for meal prep. Cook a double batch of any recipe and portion into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water to revive the sauce. For freezing, skip the pasta and freeze the sauce with shrimp; cook fresh pasta when ready to eat.
