30-Minute Creamy Basil Shrimp Pasta
A luxurious pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy basil sauce with garlic and Parmesan cheese. The shrimp are quickly seared to perfection, then combined with a velvety cream sauce infused with aromatic basil. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender pasta, perfectly cooked shrimp, and the herbaceous cream sauce creates a satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet achievable for home cooks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions and drain well
- 2
Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat
- 3
Add shrimp and garlic to skillet and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink
- 4
Remove shrimp from skillet
- 5
Pour cream into skillet and add basil
- 6
Bring cream mixture to boil, stirring gently
- 7
Reduce heat to low and simmer 3 to 5 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently
- 8
Add shrimp, cheese and pepper to sauce
- 9
Cook and stir 1 minute until heated through
- 10
Place pasta in warmed serving bowl
- 11
Add shrimp mixture and toss lightly
- 12
Serve with additional cheese if desired
Tips
Warm your serving bowl before adding the pasta to help keep the dish hot longer
Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be pink and just cooked through to maintain their tender texture
Save some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if needed when combining
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days in airtight container
Sauce can be made 2 hours ahead and gently reheated
Best served immediately while hot and creamy
Common Mistakes
Don't boil the cream sauce vigorously to avoid breaking
Remove shrimp before making sauce to avoid overcooking them
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp may release more moisture, so cook a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid.
What if my cream sauce is too thick?
Add reserved pasta cooking water one tablespoon at a time to thin the sauce to desired consistency. The starch helps bind everything together.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.