12+ December Shrimp Pasta Recipes Creamy Comfort Bowls

December always finds me reaching for the comfort bowls. It’s that season when the windows fog as pasta boils, hands wrap tightly around steaming dishes, and dinner conversations linger just a little longer because nobody wants to leave the warmth. Shrimp pasta, creamy and full of cozy richness, is my winter reset every year—a meal guaranteed to make anyone at the table sigh contentedly. These 12+ December Shrimp Pasta Recipes Creamy Comfort Bowls are a way I celebrate the month, when weeknights call for something both luxurious and easy, and weekends beg for a dish that feels special but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all day.

1. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Fettuccine

Why You’ll Love It:

This is pure weeknight bliss—fettuccine noodles swirled with a velvety cream sauce, plump shrimp, and a gentle hit of garlic. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but definitely special enough for guests, especially when everyone crowds inside on a chilly December night.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz fettuccine
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp; season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from pan.
3. Reduce heat. Add remaining butter and garlic, sauté 1 minutes.
4. Stir in cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add parmesan until melted.
5. Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat. Return shrimp and parsley; gently combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan.

Flavor Boost: Finish each bowl with a drizzle of good olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

2. Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Linguine

Why You’ll Love It:

The sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce pair perfectly with shrimp, making this linguine a cheerful, colorful addition to gray December days. I often make this on snowy evenings—it’s the kind of dish that brightens things up.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine al dente and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté shrimp in butter in a large skillet until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes to skillet; cook 1 minutes.
4. Add half and half and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan to melt.
5. Toss in pasta and shrimp; thin with reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Season, top with basil, and serve.

Serving Idea: Serve with a light arugula salad and crisp white wine.

3. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Penne

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my go-to for nights when I want spice and comfort in the same bowl. The Cajun seasoning brings warmth, and penne catches pockets of creamy sauce that cling to every bite. It’s popular with anyone who wants a dinner that wakes up the palate.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (drained)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Cook penne; set aside.
2. Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning. In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté shrimp until cooked. Remove shrimp.
3. Melt remaining butter, add garlic, then add tomatoes and sauté 2 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and simmer until thickened. Add shrimp and pasta, toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle green onions on top to serve.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they turn rubbery fast; cook just until pink.

4. Lemon Parmesan Shrimp Orzo Bowl

Why You’ll Love It:

Orzo cooks fast and blends well with the creamy, lemony sauce in this bowl. It’s light but satisfying, a perfect main for lunch or a cozy dinner when you’re pressed for time and want something zesty.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup half and half
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook orzo; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter, add shrimp and sauté until just pink. Remove shrimp.
3. Pour half and half into pan, simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and parmesan; mix until smooth.
5. Combine orzo, shrimp, and sauce. Add parsley, adjust salt, and serve.

Meal Prep Tip: Orzo absorbs sauce as it sits—if making ahead, add extra half and half when reheating.

5. Tuscan Creamy Shrimp Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love It:

This is luxury in a bowl for when you want rich flavor without hours of effort. Cream, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes bring a Mediterranean vibe—a family favorite for celebrating the end of a long week.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Boil spaghetti and drain.
2. Sauté shrimp in butter until pink. Remove shrimp; set aside.
3. Add garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes to skillet. Sauté until spinach wilts.
4. Stir in cream and Italian seasoning; simmer 2 minutes. Stir in parmesan.
5. Toss spaghetti and shrimp with sauce, season, and serve.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.

6. Shrimp Alfredo Gnocchi Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a true cold-weather treat. Gnocchi are pillowy and luxurious in glossy Alfredo sauce, with shrimp adding a sweet, tender contrast. My kids happily request this for special occasions—all creamy, comforting goodness.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 package potato gnocchi (16 oz)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Black pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter; cook shrimp until pink. Set aside.
3. Add garlic to skillet, cook 1 minutes.
4. Pour in cream, simmer 2 minutes, then add parmesan and salt.
5. Toss gnocchi in sauce. Fold in shrimp, taste for seasoning, and garnish with chives and pepper.

Personal Note: The leftover gnocchi reheated with a splash of milk is one of my favorite lunch treats.

7. One-Pot Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Fewer dishes and cozy flavor—you can’t go wrong. The mushrooms add heartiness and earthiness against the shrimp, and the one-pot method makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you still want a little bit of decadence.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan, grated
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté mushrooms and garlic until tender.
2. Add uncooked spaghetti and 3 1/2 cups water; cook until almost al dente.
3. Add cream, thyme, salt, and shrimp; cook until shrimp are pink and pasta is creamy, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in parmesan and parsley before serving.

Swap This With That: Sub sliced cremini mushrooms with shiitake for a deeper flavor.

8. Spicy Shrimp Mac and Cheese Bowl

Why You’ll Love It:

A cross between cajun pasta and comfort mac—creamy cheese sauce, a kick of cayenne, and seared shrimp make this a December comfort classic in my house. It’s nostalgic but totally grown-up.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Boil macaroni; drain.
2. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a pan, add shrimp, season with cayenne, and cook until pink. Remove shrimp.
3. In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in flour to make a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in milk, then stir in cheese until melted.
5. Fold in macaroni and shrimp. Toast breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top before serving. Add green onions.

Best Pairings: Serve with a crisp salad or roasted broccoli.

9. Shrimp and Pea Creamy Shell Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

The sweetness of peas paired with shrimp and delicate small shells is perfectly cozy, plus it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into the comfort food rotation. It’s simple and refreshing but so satisfying.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz small shell pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta; add peas during the last 2 minutes. Drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter, sauté shrimp until pink.
3. Add cream and garlic powder, simmer. Stir in parmesan.
4. Toss pasta, peas, and shrimp with sauce. Serve hot.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen shrimp to keep costs down without sacrificing flavor.

10. Shrimp Scampi Creamy Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Classic scampi, but with a creamy twist. Fast, full of lemony-garlic flavor, and elegant enough for a holiday dinner but easy for a weeknight.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup half and half
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook linguine, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté shrimp in butter; remove when pink.
3. Add garlic; cook 1 minutes. Stir in half and half, lemon zest, and juice.
4. Mix in parmesan. Add pasta and toss to coat, using pasta water if needed.
5. Return shrimp to skillet. Top with parsley and serve.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overdo the lemon—the zest goes a long way for brightness without bitterness.

11. White Wine Creamy Shrimp Tagliatelle

Why You’ll Love It:

The white wine deepens the flavor of the cream sauce, making this simple pasta feel elegant—just right for a December dinner party or date night for two after the kids are in bed.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz tagliatelle
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook tagliatelle; drain.
2. Sauté garlic in butter, add shrimp, and cook until pink. Remove shrimp.
3. Pour in white wine, simmer 2-3 minutes.
4. Add cream and parmesan, stir until smooth and glossy.
5. Return shrimp and pasta to pan, toss well. Garnish with parsley.

Best Pairings: Pair with a simple green salad and some roasted asparagus.

12. Shrimp & Roasted Red Pepper Creamy Bowties

Why You’ll Love It:

Roasted red peppers bring color, sweetness, and depth to the cream sauce, and the bowties (farfalle) hold all the goodness in their ridges and folds. This recipe is easy but feels restaurant-worthy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 roasted red peppers, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons basil, chopped

How to Make It:

1. Cook bowtie pasta.
2. Sauté shrimp in butter, season with paprika, set aside.
3. Add garlic, cook 1 minutes, then stir in diced peppers and cream.
4. Simmer, add parmesan until melted and smooth.
5. Toss in pasta and shrimp. Garnish with basil and extra peppers.

Meal Prep Tip: The sauce reheats well for leftovers—add a splash of cream to keep it silky.

13. Winter Greens & Shrimp Creamy Pasta Bowl

Why You’ll Love It:

This bowl is wholesome and creamy without feeling heavy, thanks to tender winter greens like kale or chard. It balances richness with freshness, so I reach for it on nights when I want comfort that’s also nutritious.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz gemelli or other short pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups chopped winter greens (kale, chard, or spinach)
• 1 cup half and half
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta; add greens in last 2-3 minutes to wilt. Drain.
2. Sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic, season with salt and pepper, remove.
3. Add half and half and parmesan to pan, stir until smooth.
4. Combine with pasta, greens, and shrimp. Top with pine nuts.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of lemon zest to the finished bowl for freshness.

14. Spiced Pumpkin Cream Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Pumpkin purée makes the sauce creamy and slightly sweet, and subtle spices give a warm December twist (without tasting like pie). It’s a fun savory dish that’s cozy and unexpected.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz bucatini
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup half and half
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

How to Make It:

1. Cook bucatini and drain.
2. Sauté shrimp in butter, season lightly with paprika, set aside.
3. Add pumpkin purée, half and half, and nutmeg to pan; stir and simmer.
4. Stir in parmesan until blended.
5. Toss with bucatini and shrimp. Top with sage and more parmesan.

Serving Idea: Perfect served in shallow bowls for a cozy movie-night dinner.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp in these pasta recipes?

Absolutely. Thaw frozen shrimp under cold water first, then pat dry before cooking. It works well in any of these creamy shrimp pasta bowls, and it’s often more affordable too.

How do I avoid overcooking shrimp in creamy pastas?

Shrimp cooks fast—usually just 2–3 minutes per side. Pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque; they’ll stay juicy and tender.

Can I lighten up the creamy sauces?

Yes! For a lighter dish, sub half and half or whole milk for heavy cream, or try using less cream and adding a bit of reserved pasta cooking water for silkiness.

What salads or sides go best with creamy shrimp pasta?

Light, crisp salads (like arugula or simple greens with lemon vinaigrette), roasted vegetables, or crusty bread all pair perfectly with these bowls.

Conclusion

There’s something inherently comforting about digging into a warm, creamy bowl of shrimp pasta—especially as December settles in. These recipes transform simple ingredients into something that feels both special and restorative, whether you’re winding down after work, hosting friends, or wanting to treat yourself after a long day. Don’t be afraid to tweak flavors, try new sauces, or add your own twist—comfort food is always a little personal. Here’s to more slow-cooked evenings, full bowls, and good company all month long.