Creamy Shrimp Pasta Recipe: A Lighter Take on Your Favorite Restaurant Dish

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

A Shrimp Pasta Recipe That Tastes Like Pure Comfort

Our shrimp pasta recipe has everyone fooled into thinking it’s loaded with heavy cream. This creamy shrimp pasta brings together plump jumbo shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes in a silky cheese sauce that’s surprisingly light. The best part? You can have this restaurant-quality meal on your table in just 35 minutes!

Why This Became Our Favorite Weeknight Dinner

I first made this creamy shrimp pasta after learning how high in calories and fat it was. I became determined to recreate that rich, creamy taste without all the butter and heavy cream. After a few kitchen experiments, I discovered the magic of using pasta water and good cheese to create that same luxurious texture.

What makes this recipe extra special is how it delivers all that creamy, cheesy goodness without a single drop of heavy cream or butter. It’s also one of those recipes where you can sneak in veggies.

Important Ingredient Notes for Success

While you’ll find everything you need in the recipe card below, let me share some tips about the key ingredients:

• Arrowroot Powder: This is my secret weapon for creating that silky sauce! Arrowroot is a natural starch that thickens without making things gloppy. You can find it in the baking aisle or health food section. If you can’t find it, cornstarch works perfectly as a substitute – just use the same amount.
• Gruyere Cheese (or Grand Cru): This nutty Swiss cheese melts like a dream and gives our sauce its creamy texture. Can’t find it? Jarlsberg or even a good Swiss cheese works great too. Just buy it in a block and grate it yourself – pre-shredded cheese has coating that stops it from melting smoothly.
• Jumbo Shrimp (21-25 count): Look for the numbers on the package rather than just the word “jumbo.” The 21-25 means there are 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. Large shrimp (31-35 count) work too if that’s what you have!
• Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach is perfect here because it wilts quickly and doesn’t need chopping. In a pinch, frozen spinach works – just thaw it and squeeze out all the water first.
• Pasta: We used Cavatappi pasta. It’s thicker and filling. You can use any pasta. Fettuccini, farfalle, or spaghetti are family favorites.
• Pasta Water: Don’t dump that starchy pasta water! It’s liquid gold for making creamy sauces without cream. Save at least a cup before draining.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Before you dive into cooking, here are my tested tips for nailing this recipe every time:

• Pat Those Shrimp Dry: Use paper towels to really dry your shrimp before cooking. Wet shrimp will steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on that nice golden color.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! They’re done when they turn pink and form a C-shape. If they’re tight O’s, they’re overcooked and will be rubbery.
• Save That Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, scoop out at least a cup of the cooking water. This starchy liquid is what makes the sauce creamy without cream!
• Add Cheese Off the Heat: Take your pan off the burner before adding the grated cheese. This prevents it from getting stringy or separating.
• The Arrowroot Trick: Mix your arrowroot powder with a little cold water first to make a slurry. This prevents lumps when you add it to the hot pasta.

Storage and Leftover Magic

This creamy shrimp pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir halfway through heating to distribute the sauce evenly.

Want to prep ahead? You can cook the shrimp and make the sauce base up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. I don’t recommend freezing this dish – the sauce tends to separate when thawed.

Fun Variations to Try

• Spicy Cajun Style: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick!
• Mediterranean Twist: Replace the tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes and add some capers and olives.
• Extra Veggie Power: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more vegetables.
• Seafood Lovers: Mix in some scallops or crab meat along with the shrimp for a seafood extravaganza.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta – the sauce works with any shape!

Related Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love

If this creamy shrimp pasta dish will have you craving more shrimp dishes, you’re in luck! My Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want dishes. For an easy appetizer, try my Blackened Shrimp – they’re always the first thing gone at barbecues! And if you’re looking for a show-stopping sandwich, my Most Amazing Shrimp BLT will knock your socks off.

Ready To Give It A Try?

I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out in your kitchen! Drop a comment below and let me know if you tried any variations. Did your family love it as much as mine does? And don’t forget to leave a star rating – it really helps other home cooks find this recipe!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for later and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes like this one!

Originally published: May 29, 2019. Updated: November 10, 2025 – Enhanced with more detailed instructions, tips, and serving suggestions. No changes were made to the recipe.