Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender shrimp and linguine are coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with a hint of spice. It’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) linguine pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tbsp butter (divided)
• 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp (peeled and deveined; thaw if frozen)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or substitute with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (double cream if in the UK)
• ½ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for about 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (or smoked paprika/Cajun). Continue cooking until shrimp turn pink, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and use a spatula to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Step 4: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and let it simmer for a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Step 5: Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce until well coated. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently heat through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor and texture.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
• Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
• For a lighter sauce, reduce the heavy cream by half and add more pasta water as needed.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay, smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning work well as alternatives to give the shrimp a flavorful kick.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 71 reviews

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a luscious and satisfying dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente linguine and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This recipe balances robust flavors and creamy textures to create a delightful and quick weeknight meal.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz (225 g) linguine pasta

Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tbsp butter, divided
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or substitute with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning)
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Sauce

• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (double cream if in the UK)
• ½ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente, following package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil. Add shrimp and cook for about 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (or paprika/Cajun). Continue cooking until shrimp turns pink, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and use a spatula to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Add Cheese & Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into the cream sauce. Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed, then let it simmer for about one minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Finish the Dish: Toss the cooked linguine in the creamy sauce until evenly coated. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently heat through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• If shrimp is frozen, thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Old Bay seasoning can be replaced with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency; add gradually to avoid thinning.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: creamy shrimp pasta, garlic shrimp linguine, shrimp pasta recipe, quick shrimp pasta, stovetop pasta sauce