Description
Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender shrimp cooked with garlic and Italian seasonings, tossed in a rich, creamy mozzarella and Parmesan sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick yet special weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
Shrimp & Seasoning
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter (divided, 1 tbsp for shrimp, 2 tbsp for sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season evenly with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Melt the Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta & Shrimp: Toss the cooked pasta and shrimp into the skillet with the creamy mozzarella sauce. Mix well until the pasta and shrimp are fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the smoothest and creamiest sauce texture.
- Avoid boiling the cream sauce after adding cheese as high heat can cause the sauce to become grainy or separate.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually to control and adjust the sauce thickness perfectly.
- For extra bright flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
