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Shrimp White Sauce Pasta

This Shrimp White Sauce Pasta is a quick, comforting dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a silky, light white sauce. The dish combines pantry staples, fresh shrimp, and pasta, resulting in a creamy, briny, and bright-flavored meal with an appealing glossy appearance. Perfect for busy nights, it offers a satisfying blend of simplicity and indulgence.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Western
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined preferably medium or large
  • 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) cook al dente
  • 3 cloves garlic minced for fragrant aroma
  • 2 tablespoons butter for the sauce base
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce
  • 1 cup milk or cream for richer sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking shrimp and garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice brightens the sauce, add at the end
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese freshly grated, optional
  • to taste salt and pepper season to preference

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, until it blooms and fills the kitchen with a pungent aroma.
  4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux that lightly browns.
  5. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes.
  6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir well and let simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Toss in the drained pasta, stirring to coat each strand with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it, creating a silky, glossy coating.
  8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and incorporated, adding extra flavor and richness.
  9. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately while warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender. Use reserved pasta water to perfect the sauce consistency. For extra richness, replace milk with cream or add a splash of white wine during sauce preparation.