Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Name: Creamy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10-12 cloves garlic; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 1/2 cup white wine; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded cheese blend; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 8 oz spaghetti, cooked; Seasoning blend (garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper), to taste

Creamy shrimp scampi pasta combines tender sautéed shrimp with a rich garlic, white wine, and heavy cream sauce tossed through spaghetti. This restaurant-quality dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressive entertaining.

🌍American 🏷️Shrimp scampi 🏷️Creamy pasta 🏷️Shrimp pasta 🏷️Garlic shrimp Weeknight dinner

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

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TikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

10-12 cloves garlic
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheese blend
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
8 oz spaghetti, cooked
Seasoning blend (garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper), to taste

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Instructions

1
Mince the garlic cloves.
2
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
3
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4
Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside in a bowl.
5
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
6
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly browned, being careful not to burn it.
7
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer and reduce for about a minute.
8
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
9
Add the shredded cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
10
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season the sauce to taste with your preferred seasoning blend.
11
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
12
Return the cooked shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Mix everything together until combined and heated through.
13
Plate the creamy shrimp scampi pasta and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat shrimp completely dry before sautéing—moisture prevents proper browning and a golden crust. Cook shrimp only 1.5–2 minutes per side until opaque and curled, as overcooking makes them tough.
Reduce white wine by half before adding cream to concentrate flavors and prevent a watered-down sauce.
Add heavy cream slowly and off-heat if possible, then return to low heat and stir constantly to minimize curdling risk.
Finish the dish by tossing hot pasta directly into the sauce rather than plating separately—this helps the starch emulsify the sauce and improves coating.

Substitutions

Heavy cream → half-and-half (sauce will be thinner; increase heat to medium to thicken slightly) or Greek yogurt (stir in off-heat to avoid curdling)
White wine → seafood or chicken stock (omit or reduce reduction time; flavor will be less acidic)
Cajun seasoning → Italian seasoning, paprika, or Old Bay (adjust salt to taste)
Spaghetti → linguine, fettuccine, or pappardelle (thicker noodles hold cream sauce better)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or stock to loosen the sauce; do not reheat shrimp above a gentle simmer to prevent toughness.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper browning and to prevent excess water in the sauce.

What type of white wine should I use?

Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or unoaked Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines, which will make the sauce overly sugary.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Prepare the sauce up to 2 hours in advance and reheat gently over low heat before tossing with pasta and shrimp. Add the cooked shrimp just before serving to prevent overcooking.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Never boil the sauce vigorously after adding cream. Maintain a gentle simmer and stir occasionally. If using wine, let it reduce slightly before adding cream.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Double all ingredients and increase cooking time slightly for the shrimp. Ensure your pan is large enough to cook shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.