Delicious 30-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Green Beans: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Experience the ultimate in quick and satisfying dining with this delightful creamy garlic shrimp pasta featuring fresh green beans. This incredible one-dish meal comes together effortlessly in about 30 minutes, utilizing simple pantry staples, vibrant seasonal vegetables, and convenient frozen shrimp. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, this versatile pasta recipe, with its light yet luxurious creamy garlic sauce, is destined to become a beloved weeknight dinner that the entire family will crave.
✩ What readers are saying…
“I’ve made this several times and it is easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious.” -Nancy M.
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This recipe for an easy, creamy shrimp pasta has been a true revelation in our household, quickly ascending to the status of a family favorite. Its origin story is quite simple: a few years ago, faced with a generous harvest of fresh green beans from the garden and a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer, I decided to improvise. It was a typical weeknight, meaning time was of the essence – the goal was simply to get a delicious and nourishing meal on the table without any fuss. I gathered various pantry, fridge, and freezer ingredients that I knew cooked quickly and would harmonize well together.
And boy, did they ever.
The reaction was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. My daughter, usually quite discerning, declared that I absolutely *had* to make it again, while my husband, Brian, offered his highest praise by silently helping himself to a second, generous serving – always the most reliable indicator of a truly successful dish. This simple experiment transformed into a staple, celebrated for its speed, simplicity, and incredible flavor profile, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings.
This is another recipe in our occasional, ongoing series of easy meals from your pantry! For this series “pantry” includes not only the pantry shelves, but also the things we may have (or that we preserved!) in our fridges and freezers, too.
What truly sets this shrimp pasta recipe apart is its delightful flavor, achieved through a blend of rich parmesan cheese, fragrant Italian seasonings, a splash of dry white wine (or chicken broth for an alcohol-free alternative), and a touch of cream. These ingredients combine to create a light, savory sauce that beautifully coats the tender shrimp and crisp green beans, allowing their natural flavors to shine through without being overwhelmed. It’s a harmonious balance that makes every bite a pleasure.
Beyond its taste, this creamy shrimp dinner is incredibly straightforward to prepare. Honestly, the most time-consuming part of the entire process is often peeling the shrimp. If you opt for already peeled shrimp, you’re halfway to dinner in mere minutes, transforming this into a remarkably quick 15-20 minute meal! This efficiency makes it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need a wholesome, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
The secret to its lightning-fast preparation lies in a clever cooking hack: the green beans (whether fresh or frozen) cook directly alongside the pasta. While the pasta and beans are boiling, you simultaneously sauté the aromatic garlic-onion-shrimp mixture. This parallel cooking method ensures that everything is ready at roughly the same time, allowing for a seamless assembly process. An efficient kitchen is a happy kitchen, and this recipe certainly delivers on that promise.
And as if speed and flavor weren’t enough, by thoughtfully incorporating a vegetable directly into the shrimp and pasta, this dish becomes a complete, balanced, and healthy one-dish dinner. It minimizes cleanup and ensures you’re serving a meal that’s both hearty and nutritious. For those looking to save even more time, I’ve included specific directions in the recipe card for using already peeled and cooked shrimp. While it works perfectly fine, I do find that raw shrimp cooked fresh in the garlic-onion mixture tends to be a touch more tender and flavorful, but the pre-cooked option is a fantastic convenience when every minute counts.
Ingredient Notes & Savory Variations for Your Creamy Shrimp Pasta
One of the best aspects of this creamy garlic shrimp pasta is its adaptability. Most of the required ingredients are common pantry staples, meaning if you have green beans (or another preferred vegetable) and shrimp, you can whip up this delightful dinner almost any time!
- Shrimp: The star of our dish! You can use either raw or cooked shrimp, with detailed instructions for both methods provided in the recipe card below. Raw shrimp generally offers a more tender texture and deeper flavor when cooked fresh. This recipe also serves as an excellent foundation for other cooked proteins – feel free to substitute with chopped rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced steak, or tender sliced pork loin for a different twist.
- White Wine: Dry white wine adds a wonderful depth of flavor and acidity to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste. If you prefer to omit alcohol, a good quality chicken broth makes an excellent and equally delicious substitute, providing savory notes without the wine.
- Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream is key to achieving that luxurious, creamy texture and helps to subtly thicken the sauce, contributing to its rich mouthfeel. For a dairy-free alternative, a can of full-fat coconut milk works beautifully, lending a slightly different but equally appealing creaminess and flavor dimension.
- Green Beans: I frequently use either fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe. When using frozen beans, simply extend their cooking time slightly in the pasta water. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other vegetables based on seasonality or what you have on hand; this pasta is equally delicious with tender broccoli florets or crisp asparagus spears, adding varied textures and nutrients.
- Pasta: While any pasta shape works well, I often reach for a whole wheat pasta. It offers significantly more fiber and fewer calories than regular pasta, contributing to a healthier meal. Another fantastic option is chickpea pasta (this is my preferred brand after extensive testing), which is gluten-free and packed with protein. Ultimately, use your favorite type and shape of pasta!
- Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is absolutely divine in this recipe, offering a salty, umami kick that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. Romano cheese is another excellent choice, providing a sharper, more piquant flavor. Feel free to use any grated hard cheese that you believe would enhance the dish.
- Fresh Herbs, optional: A sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving can elevate the flavors and add a vibrant touch. Basil is my top pick for its sweet, peppery notes, but fresh thyme or oregano also make wonderful additions, introducing an aromatic freshness.
PRO TIP: Have leftover roasted or grilled vegetables from a previous meal? They are an absolutely wonderful addition to this recipe! Stir them in during the final step with the cream and cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Watch How to Make Easy Shrimp Pasta with Green Beans – Video Tutorial
To truly illustrate the simplicity and speed of creating this dish, here’s a short video. It visually guides you through the process, demonstrating just how easy it is to prepare a complete one-dish pantry meal, loaded with vegetables, lean protein, and healthy carbohydrates from whole wheat pasta:
Kitchen Tip: Mastering the Art of Dicing an Onion Effortlessly
I’ve always found the traditional method of dicing an onion – where you keep it whole, make horizontal and vertical cuts into the top, then slice – to be quite awkward, and frankly, a little hazardous due to the onion’s tendency to slip around. Through much trial and error, I’ve developed a super easy and safe technique for cutting a whole onion that smartly leverages its natural layers. This method results in beautifully diced pieces every time, without the fuss or risk of the old way:
Step 1: Prepare the Onion. Begin by cutting off both the root and top ends of the whole onion. Then, slice the onion cleanly in half from top to bottom and peel away its outer papery layers.
Step 2: Make Lengthwise Slices. Place one of the onion halves cut-side down on your cutting board. Carefully make 1/4-inch slices lengthwise, cutting from one end almost to the other, but keeping the slices connected at the very end. This helps maintain the onion’s structure.
Step 3: Complete the Dice. Now, turn the onion half 90 degrees and cut 1/4-inch slices from top to bottom, effectively dicing the onion. Ensure you hold the lengthwise slices together firmly as you make these crosswise cuts. Repeat this process with the other onion half. You’ve just masterfully diced an onion! You might find some of the pieces naturally stuck together due to the onion’s layers, but these will easily separate with your fingers or as you stir them into your cooking dish.
Crafting this incredible creamy garlic shrimp pasta is incredibly simple and follows a logical sequence to maximize efficiency in the kitchen. Here are the core steps that bring this flavorful dish to life:
- Begin with the Pasta Water: Get a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil for your pasta. This is your first crucial step towards a quick meal.
- Prep Your Ingredients: While the water heats, take this time to gather and chop all your necessary ingredients. Having everything ready before you start cooking streamlines the process.
- Cook Pasta & Green Beans: Once the water is boiling, add your pasta. Set a timer for 5 minutes (or half of the pasta’s recommended cooking time). If using frozen green beans, add them now to cook for the entire duration. For fresh green beans, set your timer for 5 minutes, then add the fresh beans for the remaining cooking time.
- Sauté the Flavor Base: Simultaneously, in a large, deep skillet (one big enough to eventually hold all the pasta and veggies), sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and raw shrimp. This mixture develops a rich aroma and flavor base while the pasta cooks.
- Combine & Finish: Once the pasta and beans are perfectly cooked and drained, add them directly to the skillet with the sautéed shrimp mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with a generous amount of parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are beautifully coated in the creamy, garlicky sauce.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh! Serve it directly from the pan, topped with a final sprinkle of parmesan and optional fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
EXPERT TIP: For ultimate convenience and minimal cleanup, use a deep, wide skillet with short handles. This type of pan is sometimes called an everyday pan or a chef’s stir fry pan. It allows you to cook the sauce and then toss in the pasta and vegetables all in one vessel, making it simple to go from cooking right to the table – truly one of the best pans I’ve ever purchased for its versatility!
Of course, if you don’t have a dedicated everyday pan, a regular skillet will work just fine for the sautéing portion. After draining the pasta, you can simply pour the shrimp mixture into the larger boiling pot, mix everything together with the cream and cheese in that spacious pot, and then transfer it to a large serving bowl for garnishing and presentation. The key is to utilize the kitchen tools you already possess!
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftovers
This creamy garlic shrimp and green bean pasta is not only fantastic fresh but also holds up remarkably well as leftovers, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Store any uneaten portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, ensuring you have delicious, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.
To reheat, I recommend adding a small splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta before warming. This helps to restore the sauce’s creaminess, which can thicken as it chills. Microwave the pasta for about a minute, stir it gently to redistribute the sauce, and then continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
I genuinely hope that your family enjoys this creamy, garlic shrimp and green bean pasta as much as ours does. It’s a recipe designed to simplify meal times without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, and I trust it will become a cherished, easy addition to your regular menu planning rotation. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing that a recipe has found a permanent spot in your kitchen. Please share your experience by leaving a rating and review – your feedback truly makes my day!
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Speedy 30-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Green Beans
Equipment
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4-6 quart pot
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Large, deep-sided skillet (or “everyday pan”)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter*
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound dry pasta, such as whole wheat or regular (any shape works)
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic)
- 1 teaspoon salt or to your taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (OR use frozen cut beans)
- 1 pound medium to large raw shrimp, shelled, deveined, and tails removed**
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 3/4 cup shredded parmesan, divided for mixing and topping
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or another fresh herb like thyme (optional)
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for your pasta.
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Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent (this usually takes about as long as it takes for the pasta water to boil).
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When the water boils vigorously, add the pasta to the pot and set a timer for 5 minutes (or half of the pasta’s total recommended cooking time). Note: If you are using frozen green beans, add them to the pasta water at this initial stage so they cook for the entire pasta cooking duration (typically around 10 minutes).
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While the pasta continues to cook, pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the onion-garlic mixture in the skillet, along with the salt, black pepper, dry Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything well and allow it to simmer gently until your 5-minute pasta timer indicates it’s time for the next step.
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Once the initial 5-minute timer for the pasta is complete, add the fresh green beans to the boiling pasta water and reset the timer for another 5 minutes (or whatever remaining time is needed for your pasta to be al dente). The water temperature might dip briefly, but the cooking will continue.
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Immediately after adding the beans to the pasta pot, add the raw shrimp to the simmering onion mixture in your skillet. Cook the shrimp until they turn opaque and pink, which typically takes around the same amount of time as your second pasta timer. If the shrimp cook faster, reduce the skillet temperature to low to prevent overcooking and keep them tender.
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Once the pasta and green beans are cooked, drain them thoroughly. Add the drained pasta and beans directly to the skillet with the shrimp mixture (if your skillet is not large enough, transfer the shrimp mixture to the larger pasta pot). Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the shredded parmesan, then mix gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
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Serve this delicious creamy garlic shrimp pasta immediately, directly from the large skillet (or transfer to a beautiful serving bowl). Finish by topping with the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil.
Notes
**To use precooked frozen shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are thawed completely and remove tails if present. Add the precooked shrimp to the onion mixture in the skillet just before you add the drained pasta and beans, stirring for about a minute to heat them through. Then, proceed with the rest of the recipe instructions.
Creative Variations:
- For an even faster meal, substitute the shrimp with another precooked protein like shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced cooked steak, or sliced pork loin. This can turn it into a fantastic 15-minute meal!
- Swap out green beans for cut broccoli florets. If you prefer your broccoli with a crisper bite, add it only during the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time.
- Fresh cut asparagus can be used in place of green beans, adding a delicate, spring flavor.
- Elevate your dish by incorporating leftover roasted or grilled vegetables. Stir them in with the cream and cheese in the final step for a wonderfully complex flavor and texture profile (absolutely delicious!).
Nutrition
Discover More Easy & Delicious Weeknight Meals
If you loved this quick and creamy garlic shrimp pasta, you’re in luck! Here are more fantastic, simple recipes designed to make your weeknights easier and more flavorful. Each one is a testament to how delicious home cooking can be, even on the busiest of days:
- 20 Minute Mediterranean Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Garden-to-Table Recipe: Shrimp and Asparagus with White Bean Puree
- Baked White Fish with Parmesan-Herb Crust {Ready in 20 Minutes}
- One Pot Italian Pasta with Sausage & Spinach
- Greek Salmon and Vegetable Frittata with Creamy Feta Sauce
This recipe has been thoughtfully updated to provide even more clarity and tips – it was originally published in 2018.
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