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Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Cheese Sauce

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

Creamy spaghetti with shrimp in cream cheese sauce. With fresh tomatoes and herbs. 10 minutes preparation, 15 minutes cooking time. For 2 servings.
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Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:43:36 GMT
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Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Cheese Sauce | magichouserecipes.com

A Mediterranean pasta dish combines juicy shrimp with a creamy cream cheese sauce for a quick after-work meal. The balance of seafood and savory cream cheese creates a sophisticated taste experience.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh shrimp: Don't cook too long.
  • Cream cheese: Provides creaminess.
  • Garlic: Gives intense flavor.
  • Colorful tomato mix: For color.
  • Fresh herbs: As finishing touch.

Path to Perfect Dish

Enhancing shrimp:
Sauté the shrimp briefly on high heat. Season with garlic and set aside.
Developing sauce:
Mix cream cheese with pasta water until creamy. Fold in tomatoes and herbs.
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Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Cheese Sauce – Creamy and Aromatic | magichouserecipes.com

Finishing Pasta

Add the al dente cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Fold in shrimp and toss briefly.

Creating Variations

Add cherry tomatoes. Chili flakes for heat. Lemon zest for freshness.

Combining Side Dishes

Crispy ciabatta. Fresh arugula. A glass of white wine.

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Spaghetti with Shrimp in Cream Cheese Sauce – Quick and Delicious | magichouserecipes.com

Storage

Serve immediately. Add extra cream cheese when reheating.

This shrimp pasta combines Mediterranean flavors with creamy texture for a quick but impressive dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw them first and pat them dry. Fresh shrimp need less cooking time.
→ Which cream cheese works best?
Plain cream cheese with at least 60% fat content makes the sauce nicely creamy. Herb cream cheese adds additional flavor.
→ Why add pasta water to the sauce?
The starchy pasta water makes the sauce creamier and helps it adhere better to the pasta.
→ Can I use other pasta?
Yes, all long pasta varieties like linguine or tagliatelle work well. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ How long does this dish keep?
Best served fresh. When reheated, the shrimp can become tough and the sauce too thick.

Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Spaghetti with sautéed shrimp in creamy cream cheese sauce, with fresh tomatoes, garlic and herbs.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main components

01 8 oz (250g) spaghetti
02 10 oz (300g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 10 oz (300g) cream cheese

→ Fresh produce

04 8 oz (250g) mixed cherry tomatoes (different colors if available)
05 3 garlic cloves
06 1 handful fresh parsley
07 1 handful fresh basil leaves

→ For seasoning

08 Juice of half a lemon
09 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
10 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
11 Salt, to taste
12 Freshly ground black pepper
13 Sweet paprika powder

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.

Step 02

While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic cloves, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the parsley and basil, keeping them separate.

Step 03

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and start to curl. Add the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of sweet paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then deglaze the pan with lemon juice.

Step 04

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the chopped parsley, halved tomatoes, and cream cheese to the pan. Stir until the cream cheese starts to melt, then add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Toss in the drained pasta and mix until well coated, adding more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.

Step 05

Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide between plates or bowls and garnish generously with the fresh chopped basil just before serving.

Notes

  1. The starchy pasta water is the secret to creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
  2. This sauce comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels special.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Cutting board and sharp knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 855
  • Total Fat: 40 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 87 g
  • Protein: 45 g