If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home, this Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is a winner. With tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce made with mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is indulgent, comforting, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, date night, or whenever you’re in the mood for something rich and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Restaurant vibes at home: This pasta is creamy, flavorful, and looks like it came straight from a professional kitchen.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Cheesy, garlicky goodness: The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and cream is a dream come true for your taste buds.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy masterpiece:
- Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
- Pasta of your choice (fettuccine or spaghetti works great)
- Heavy cream
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for a little spice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil or butter. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil or butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes here if you like a bit of spice!
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat with the creamy sauce. Stir in the cooked shrimp and a little of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary. Toss until the shrimp, pasta, and sauce are evenly coated.
- Taste & adjust: Taste the pasta and add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy immediately!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Cook until just pink and opaque.
- Save pasta water: Adding reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce, making it perfectly creamy and smooth without thinning it out too much.
- Use fresh mozzarella: For the best, most gooey results, always go for fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Add more veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini would pair beautifully with this creamy sauce.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta if necessary.
- Add chicken or scallops: Want to make this dish even heartier? Toss in cooked chicken or seared scallops for added protein.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Pair this Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta with:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
- A warm, crusty piece of garlic bread.
- A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened.
- Freezing: While pasta dishes can freeze well, the creamy sauce may lose its consistency. Only freeze if necessary.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or oat milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Q: Can I make this pasta with a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Gouda, Havarti, or fontina are excellent alternatives to mozzarella for a slightly different but still delicious taste.
Q: How can I make this dish less spicy?
Skip the red pepper flakes entirely if you want to avoid heat.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. With tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, this dish feels luxurious without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Print
Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is a luxurious and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce, and melty mozzarella. The perfect weeknight dinner that’s both indulgent and easy to make, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can swap the mozzarella for another melting cheese like provolone or fontina.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 150mg