Angel Hair Pasta With Garlic Cream Shrimp

Name: Angel Hair Pasta With Garlic Cream Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 8 oz angel hair pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon paprika

Highlighted under: Quick Kitchen Creations

I absolutely love a good pasta dish, and this Angel Hair Pasta With Garlic Cream Shrimp has become a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of tender pasta coated in a creamy garlic sauce with succulent shrimp creates a delicious meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The garlic cream brings warmth and richness that elevates the simple ingredients, and I know you'll enjoy making this dish as much as I do.

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-27T14:45:35.720Z

When I first crafted this recipe, I aimed for a dish that blended simplicity with richness. The real challenge was perfecting the garlic cream sauce, and after several tries, I found that roasting the garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor that elevates the dish. Don’t rush this step!

What really makes this dish special is the balance of flavors and textures. I always toss the shrimp in lemon juice just before serving; this brightens the dish beautifully and contrasts with the creaminess of the sauce. I'm confident you’ll find this tip helpful as you prepare your own version!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
A creamy garlic sauce that embraces the tender shrimp and pasta.
Elevated comfort food that impresses guests or family alike.

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of shrimp is crucial for this dish. For the best flavor and texture, opt for wild-caught shrimp over farmed varieties. Wild shrimp tends to have a firmer texture and a more pronounced taste, which complements the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer, you can use shrimp of any size, but medium to large ones work best, as they hold up well during cooking without becoming rubbery.

Angel hair pasta, known for its delicate and fine strands, cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the rich garlic cream sauce. Because it has a shorter cooking time than other pasta types, make sure to monitor it closely, as it can go from al dente to mushy within a minute. If you don’t have angel hair on hand, thin spaghetti is an acceptable substitute, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Cooking Techniques to Perfect Your Dish

When sautéing the garlic, aim for a light golden color to ensure the flavor is sweet and fragrant rather than bitter. I find that using a good-quality olive oil not only enhances the taste of the garlic but also contributes to a luscious mouthfeel in the sauce. Keep the heat at medium, as higher temperatures can burn the garlic quickly, ruining the sauce's flavor.

To ensure the shrimp cook evenly, they should be in a single layer in the skillet and cooked until just opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes. Overcooking shrimp can lead to a tough texture. If you're cooking a larger batch, consider doing it in two rounds or using a larger pan to prevent crowding, which can trap steam and result in uneven cooking.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

8 oz angel hair pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Shrimp

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 5 minutes.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine Shrimp and Pasta

Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes until they turn pink. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss everything to coat in the sauce.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic cream sauce. Also, don't overcook the shrimp
they should be just pink and tender when done.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're looking to save time on a busy evening, you can prepare the garlic cream sauce in advance. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. You may need to add a splash of cream to loosen it up if it thickens while stored.

Cooked angel hair pasta can be refrigerated but tends to stick together. To help prevent this, toss it with a little olive oil before storage. When ready to serve, reheat it in boiling water for a few seconds or in a pan with a bit of sauce to restore its original texture.

Pairing Suggestions

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread is another excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.

For wine lovers, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the shrimp beautifully, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon can also be refreshing alongside this meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While angel hair is great, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer.

→ Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Yes! You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less cheese for a lighter option.

→ What vegetables can I add?

You can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added flavor and nutrients.

→ Can this dish be made in advance?

For the best texture, it's recommended to enjoy it fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.