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
Scale
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
