Dinner

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Cheesy Spaghetti Recipe

ByHugo Harnd March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Spaghetti Garlic Cheese Sauce is a rich and comforting meal perfect for any night of the week. Juicy shrimp meet a luscious creamy garlic cheese sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a delightful dinner. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy to prepare at home.

A white shallow bowl filled with creamy fettuccine pasta layered evenly with plump, cooked shrimp scattered on top, each shrimp showing a light orange color with a hint of pink. The pasta is coated in a smooth, pale yellow sauce with flecks of green parsley sprinkled all over, adding a touch of freshness. The strands of fettuccine appear soft and lightly curled, mixing well with the shrimp in a well-blended arrangement. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface with a cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1½ tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and lightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Cook and stir until the sauce is smooth and silky.
Step 4: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce and mix well to coat. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning for a silky texture.
Step 5: Arrange the garlic butter shrimp over the creamy spaghetti. Sprinkle chopped parsley and drizzle lemon juice on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Use fresh Parmesan and mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Swap shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different protein option.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with a creamy pasta dish featuring two main layers: the bottom layer is smooth, yellow-orange fettuccine noodles, and the top layer consists of medium-sized cooked shrimp that are pink with slight charring, scattered evenly across the noodles. The dish is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs, adding contrast. The textures show a creamy and glossy sauce coating the noodles and shrimp gently twisted or curled, with some shrimp tails visible. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth peeking in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sauté properly and develop a nice color.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

Cook the sauce over medium to low heat and add the cheese gradually while stirring constantly. Avoid boiling the cream once cheese is added to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.