Thank you for stopping by! I’m so excited to share this one with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy, tastes incredible, but is secretly super quick and easy to make. This Garlic Cream Cheese Shrimp Spaghetti is the perfect balance of rich, creamy goodness and light seafood elegance. It’s comfort food—but with a splash of the Mediterranean coast!
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or looking for a crowd-pleasing pasta recipe, this one hits the spot. And hey—if easy pasta nights are your jam, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox!
What Is Garlic Cream Cheese Shrimp Spaghetti?
This dish is a creamy pasta dream come true. It features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a silky garlic and cream cheese sauce, then topped with tender, juicy shrimp. The garlic adds a bold, aromatic depth, while the cream cheese melts into a smooth, tangy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
It’s rich but not heavy, quick but indulgent—basically the best kind of weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings
- Deliciously creamy without needing heavy cream
- High in protein thanks to the shrimp
- Garlic lovers, rejoice! The flavor is bold, aromatic, and comforting
- Easily adaptable—make it spicy, add veggies, or swap the protein
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine warm, buttery garlic bread… but in pasta form. The sauce is ultra-creamy, with a subtle tang from the cream cheese and just the right amount of garlicky punch. The shrimp add a sweet, delicate seafood flavor that balances the richness beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or lemon zest at the end takes it to a whole new level.
Health & Nutrition Benefits
- Lean protein from shrimp
- Lower in fat than typical cream-based sauces
- Can be made gluten-free with the right pasta
- Fresh ingredients and no processed sauces
Ingredients
Serves 2–3
- 200 g (about 7 oz) spaghetti
- 250 g (about 9 oz) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 100 g (about 3.5 oz) cream cheese (plain, full fat or light)
- 100 ml (about ⅓ cup) pasta water or milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes, zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for pasta
- Large skillet or pan
- Tongs or pasta fork
- Fine grater (for lemon zest or Parmesan)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- No shrimp? Use chicken, smoked salmon, or sautéed mushrooms
- Want it spicy? Add red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce
- Add veggies: Spinach, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or peas
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based cream cheese and olive oil
How to Make Garlic Cream Cheese Shrimp Spaghetti – Step by Step
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Before draining, save about ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil or butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 30 seconds until fragrant. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese and a splash of pasta water or milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Return the shrimp to the pan, season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest (if using). Mix everything well.
5. Serve
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or chives and grated Parmesan if desired. A squeeze of lemon is the perfect finishing touch!
What to Serve with This Dish
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach
- A glass of chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
Tips for the Creamiest, Tastiest Result
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier melting
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook fast!
- Save that pasta water—it’s key for a smooth, glossy sauce
- Fresh garlic is best—don’t substitute with powder here
- Lemon zest and fresh herbs brighten up the whole dish beautifully
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce
- Not freezer-friendly—the sauce may separate when thawed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through—they’re already cooked.
Is cream cheese really okay in pasta sauce?
Absolutely! It melts into a rich, velvety sauce and adds a subtle tang that’s delicious.
What kind of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is classic, but fettuccine, linguine, or even penne are great options.
Can I make it ahead?
Best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and sauce separately a few hours in advance.
In Conclusion
This Garlic Cream Cheese Shrimp Spaghetti is your new favorite pasta night recipe—ultra creamy, garlicky, and packed with juicy shrimp. It’s fast, flexible, and feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a Wednesday night.
If you’re loving this kind of creamy pasta, check out these next:
- Tuscan Shrimp Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Linguine
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta
Join the Community!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a review below or snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss a creamy, dreamy dinner idea again.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 48 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.