Shrimp White Sauce Pasta 🍤🧄🧈🧀 Creamy, Garlicky, and Loaded With Tender Shrimp in a Silky Parmesan Sauce

This dish is all about balance — rich but not heavy, indulgent but weeknight-fast. The shrimp add sweetness and savor, the white sauce delivers buttery depth, and the garlic-Parmesan combo makes every bite count.

Perfect for a date night in or a five-star-feeling Tuesday.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne
• Salted water for boiling
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the white sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup cream)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or nutmeg

To finish

• More Parmesan
• Chopped parsley or basil
• Optional: drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sear the shrimp
Pat shrimp dry. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the white sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a light roux. Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until thickened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in cheese, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or nutmeg.

Step 4: Combine and toss
Add pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss gently until everything is coated and glossy. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen.

Step 5: Serve hot
Plate with extra cheese, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon juice or olive oil for brightness.

Flavor Variations

• Add spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes
• Swap Parmesan for Gruyère or Fontina for a twist
• Use Cajun seasoning on the shrimp for spice
• Stir in a spoonful of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste
• Top with toasted breadcrumbs or chili crisp for texture

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they should be just pink and springy
• Whisk the milk in slowly for a smooth sauce
• Freshly grated cheese = better melt and flavor
• Keep the sauce warm, not boiling, once the dairy is in
• Finish with lemon to brighten the richness

Final Thoughts

Shrimp White Sauce Pasta is creamy, elegant, and fast — a restaurant-style dish that’s totally doable at home. The garlic-butter sauce plays perfectly with shrimp, and the whole thing is just begging for a glass of white wine and a crusty piece of bread.

Sear it. Swirl it. Let the shrimp shine. 🍤🧄🧈🧀

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.