🦐 Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Cheesy Rigatoni
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
🍤 For the Shrimp
- 1½ lbs (700 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
🍝 For the Pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) rigatoni
- Salt (for boiling water)
🧀 For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
🌿 Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry.
- Season with paprika, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Add butter and minced garlic during the last minute.
- Toss with parsley and lemon juice.
- Remove from heat.
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream.
- Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add cheddar, Parmesan, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the sauce is silky and creamy.
4️⃣ Combine
- Add cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce.
- Toss until every piece is coated.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a creamier consistency.
5️⃣ Serve
- Spoon the cheesy rigatoni onto a large serving platter.
- Arrange the garlic butter shrimp alongside the pasta.
- Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
💡 Tips
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.