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Spaghetti with shrimp in cream cheese sauce is my absolute comfort dish when I need something quick but still crave a touch of everyday luxury. In under 30 minutes, tender shrimp and dreamy al dente pasta are on the table in a velvety sauce. I especially love this creamy pasta in spring or whenever I want to impress guests with minimal effort.
I first cooked this dish on a Friday afternoon when friends unexpectedly stayed for lunch, and it was gone in no time. Since then, this recipe has become one of my favorite ideas for quick evenings with a wow effect.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: the perfect firm-to-the-bite base that soaks up the sauce beautifully. Choose a good durum wheat variety and cook it just al dente
- Shrimp: provide delicate seafood flavor and taste best fresh or well thawed. Make sure they are peeled and deveined
- Cream cheese: makes the sauce silky and wonderfully flavorful. For a herbal kick, choose the herb variety from the chilled section
- Garlic: adds that signature savory punch — chop it very finely so it doesn’t overpower
- Onion: forms the aromatic base and should be sautéed until translucent for sweetness
- Vegetable broth: adds balance and enhances the flavor of the sauce. Use a mild variety for the best pasta taste
- Cream: optional for extra creaminess, but you can omit it or replace it with milk
- Olive oil: for gentle sautéing — choose a fruity, good-quality type
- Lemon juice: brightens up the dish
- Salt and pepper: to taste — freshly ground for the best flavor
- Fresh herbs: such as dill, parsley, or basil for freshness and a special finishing touch
- Chili flakes: optional if you like a bit of heat — use sparingly
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about one cup of pasta water
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Sear the shrimp:
- Add the prepared shrimp to the hot pan with the aromatics. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Squeeze the lemon juice over them. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to keep them tender
- Make the cream cheese sauce:
- Add the cream cheese to the pan and loosen it with vegetable broth and, if desired, a splash of cream. Stir until the sauce is smooth and gently simmering. Season with salt, pepper, and perhaps chili flakes
- Combine pasta and shrimp:
- Add the drained spaghetti and shrimp back into the pan. Toss everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. Heat briefly until everything is warmed through
- Serve and enjoy:
- Divide the pasta among plates. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and enjoy immediately
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This cream cheese sauce is my special pasta trick when time is short. The creamy result gets a unique flavor boost, especially from herb cream cheese, and it never fails to wow everyone at the table. My kids love it when I sprinkle extra fresh herbs on top before serving.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Thawed shrimp still taste great the next day as long as they’re not overheated.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily replace shrimp with chicken strips if you’re not in the mood for seafood. For a vegetarian version, try firm mushrooms like king oyster or sautéed zucchini. Instead of cream cheese, you can use burrata or mascarpone for a special twist.
Serving Suggestions
A green salad and fresh baguette are classic sides for this dish. Sometimes I serve it with sautéed cherry tomatoes or finish with a drizzle of good olive oil. A glass of well-chilled white wine makes the meal extra festive.
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Cultural Context
Pasta with cream cheese isn’t really a thing in Italy, but the creamy sauce concept appears in many modern family kitchens. The combination of seafood and creaminess is a small tribute to southern European joie de vivre — not just by the sea, but also at home.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent shrimp from becoming tough?
Shrimp should only be seared briefly until they turn pink and are cooked through. Overcooking makes them firm and rubbery.
- → Can I make the cream cheese sauce creamier?
Yes, a splash of cream or some grated Parmesan will give the sauce an extra smooth and velvety texture.
- → How do I cook spaghetti perfectly al dente?
Cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water, following the package instructions. Taste a strand just before the end of the cooking time to check for the ideal bite.
- → Which herbs go well with this dish?
Dill, parsley, or basil complement the creamy sauce with fresh, aromatic notes.
- → How can I make the dish a bit spicier?
Add optional chili flakes to the sauce or season with pepper and lemon juice to taste.