If you are craving a dish that is both indulgent and comforting, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender linguine drenched in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, perfectly complemented by juicy, lightly seasoned shrimp. It’s a delightful marriage of flavors and textures that will make every bite feel like a special occasion, yet it comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for easy, impressive pasta nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients—each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, giving the pasta its creamy, garlicky richness and the shrimp their perfect pop of taste and texture.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: Choose linguine for its perfect surface area to hold that creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity, subtle base flavor and helps cook the shrimp evenly without sticking.
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter, divided: Enhances richness and creates a silky texture in the sauce.
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and eats tender and juicy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the flavors throughout the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the shrimp seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (optional): Brings a warm, spicy hint, or you can swap for smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for a twist.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: The key flavor that infuses the cream sauce with aroma and deliciousness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Provides the luscious, velvety base for the sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that melts into the cream to thicken and enrich it.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, usually a minute or two less than the package recommends. This ensures the pasta still has a slight bite and won’t get mushy when it’s tossed with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a flavorful fat base. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and your chosen seasoning (Old Bay is phenomenal here). Cook the shrimp in the hot skillet for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink and feel firm to the touch. This step locks in juiciness and adds those irresistible caramelized edges. Remove the shrimp and set them aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter, then toss in the minced garlic. Watch it closely and stir for about 30 seconds until the garlic releases its amazing aroma but doesn’t brown. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it gently to a simmer, letting it thicken slightly for 2 to 3 minutes. This process intensifies the creamy texture and flavor.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt smoothly into the cream to create a rich, velvety sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet along with the cooked linguine. Toss everything together so that every strand of pasta and each shrimp is evenly coated with that divine creamy garlic sauce. At this point, you can taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top. The fresh herb adds a beautiful touch of color and brightness, balancing the richness perfectly. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley is a classic way to elevate this dish, introducing freshness and a slight herbal bite. You can also add a sprinkle of extra parmesan or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a little zing.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables to add some crunchy texture and color contrast. A warm piece of garlic bread also makes for a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, present the pasta in shallow bowls garnished with whole shrimp on top and a twist of lemon peel. Or serve alongside grilled asparagus spears arranged neatly on the side. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as a finishing touch truly makes the plate pop and feel restaurant-worthy in your own home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe stores quite well for up to two days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the shrimp and pasta together with the creamy sauce to maintain moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out, but expect the texture to soften slightly upon cooling.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes affect texture, but if needed, freeze in a suitable container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the sauce might separate slightly, but a gentle stir while reheating can bring it back to a creamy state.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to warm evenly and prevent scorching. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating can help restore the sauce’s original silky consistency if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully, you can swap in fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the sauce clings best to noodles with a little surface texture.
Is the Old Bay seasoning necessary?
Old Bay is optional but highly recommended for its distinctive flavor that complements seafood well. If you don’t have it, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or even a pinch of chili flakes make fantastic alternatives.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How long does the dish take to prepare?
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick yet impressive meal when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can I cook the shrimp ahead of time?
You can cook the shrimp in advance and keep them refrigerated for a day. Just add them to the sauce at the last minute to warm through to avoid overcooking and keep them tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe enough for anyone looking to treat themselves or their loved ones to a comforting, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require a ton of effort. It’s a beautiful balance of garlic, cream, and perfectly seasoned shrimp that feels special every single time. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection—you’re going to love every bite.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious seafood pasta dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, tossed with al dente linguine and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces (225 grams) linguine pasta
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 pound (450 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen is fine)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (optional; can substitute smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
- ½ cup (40 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning if using. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining ½ tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic shrimp sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- You can substitute Old Bay seasoning with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- If fresh parsley is not available, dried parsley can be used, though fresh adds a brighter flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
