Spaghetti Shrimp Cream Sauce

This creamy shrimp and spaghetti dish has become one of my go-to meals when I need something cozy yet elegant on the table fast. The soft noodles soak up the velvety cream cheese sauce, while the tender shrimp add a bit of luxury without being fussy. Brightened with garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat even though it’s simple enough for a weekday.

The first time I made this dish, I was looking for something creamy and quick after a long day. I added cream cheese on a whim, and now it’s the base of one of my favorite pasta sauces.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: Brings a classic base to the dish and holds the creamy sauce well
• Shrimp: Adds protein and a delicate sweetness when cooked just right
• Cream cheese: Gives the sauce a silky smooth body and gentle tang
• Garlic cloves: Adds warmth and depth when sautéed in oil
• Onion: Builds a flavorful foundation when slowly cooked
• Vegetable stock: Lightens the sauce while boosting flavor
• Cream: Optional but makes the sauce extra luxurious and rich
• Olive oil: Used to sauté aromatics and keep everything silky
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance
• Fresh herbs: Dill parsley or basil bring freshness and a final flourish
• Chili flakes: Optional for a little heat and contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve about one hundred milliliters of the pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent about five to seven minutes. Add chopped garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.

Cook the Shrimp:

Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for two to three minutes until pink. Drizzle with lemon juice then remove shrimp from pan and set aside.

Create the Cream Sauce:

In the same pan add cream cheese vegetable stock and cream if using. Stir gently over medium heat until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt pepper and chili flakes if you like a little spice.

Combine Everything:

Add drained spaghetti and cooked shrimp back to the pan. Toss to coat in the sauce and add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

Finish and Serve:

Warm everything through then garnish with chopped herbs and serve immediately.

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I always keep a block of cream cheese in my fridge for recipes like this one. My son calls it pasta with the happy sauce and asks for it almost every week.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove adding a splash of milk or stock to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long as shrimp can turn rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use light cream cheese or skip the cream for a leaner version. Substitute shrimp with chicken strips or sautéed mushrooms for a different protein. Try spaghetti alternatives like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer a different pasta shape.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Serve with toasted garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce. A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc rounds out the meal beautifully.

Cultural Context

Creamy pasta dishes like this one are popular across European home kitchens. Combining seafood with cheese is less traditional in Italy but widely loved in home-style cooking elsewhere. This version balances elegance and simplicity making it perfect for both guests and weeknight meals.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

→ How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Add a splash of cream or stir in freshly grated Parmesan for a richer, silkier texture.

→ What herbs work best here?

Fresh dill, parsley, or basil complement the creamy sauce and seafood beautifully. Choose based on your taste.

→ Can I lighten this dish?

Absolutely. Use light cream cheese or swap cream for milk to reduce the fat while keeping it creamy.

→ What should I serve alongside?

A crisp green salad and a slice of crusty baguette make great side options. Pair with a chilled white wine for balance.