If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful meal balances perfectly cooked shrimp with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that clings to every strand of linguine. The combination of spices and Parmesan creates an irresistible flavor explosion that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive for special occasions. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a guilt-free favorite to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, quality ingredients that each play an essential role. From the tender shrimp to the rich Parmesan cheese, every element adds to the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish stand out.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta or pasta of choice: Linguine holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but any pasta you love will work wonderfully.
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp offers tender protein and a subtle sweetness that pairs flawlessly with garlic.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps coat the shrimp evenly, enhancing the seasoning absorption and adding healthy fats.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or Old Bay seasoning: Brings a mild heat and smokiness that makes the shrimp irresistible.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor beyond the fresh cloves for a deep, savory profile.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano): Adds a fragrant herbaceous touch that brightens the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients and prevents blandness.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Provides subtle heat and balances the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a luxuriously silky base for both the shrimp and the sauce.
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is the star that gives the sauce its unmistakable personality.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers the creamy texture that coats the pasta and ties everything together.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for savory richness and a slight nuttiness.
- Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup): Adds perfect consistency, ensuring the sauce clings smoothly to the pasta.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is the secret to perfectly seasoned pasta. Add your linguine and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, following package instructions. Remember to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s crucial for achieving the silky sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil and a blend of Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This simple coating ensures every bite of shrimp bursts with flavor and a hint of spice that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Add the seasoned shrimp and sear for about one minute on each side. You’re aiming for a light char that locks in juices and adds a depth of flavor. Once cooked through and slightly charred, remove the shrimp and set them aside—your sauce awaits!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer—this is when the magic starts. Stir in grated Parmesan and the reserved pasta water, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce loosens. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. This sauce is velvety, garlicky, and utterly dreamy.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked linguine straight into the creamy sauce, tossing to coat every delicious strand. Gently fold in the perfectly seared shrimp so they’re nestled throughout the pasta. This is your moment to add any final garnishes and then serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley brighten the dish with a pop of green and fresh flavor. Consider sprinkling extra grated Parmesan for a savory finish or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat on the side. These touches elevate the presentation and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make for a colorful and nutritious complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your creamy garlic shrimp pasta in elegant shallow bowls, topped with a sprinkle of microgreens or a lemon wedge for an extra zing. You can even plate individual portions artistically, layering shrimp on top with swirls of sauce for a restaurant-quality look at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume leftovers promptly to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Freezing this dish isn’t recommended because the cream sauce can separate and shrimp may become rubbery. If you must freeze, do so before adding the shrimp and sauce, and reheat carefully with freshly cooked shrimp for the best experience.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore that creamy texture, stirring often to prevent clumping. Reheating slowly helps retain the glorious flavors of the original Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and shrimp remain just as delicious, so you won’t miss a thing.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try using half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as the original version.
How spicy is the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is mild thanks to the Cajun or Old Bay seasoning. You can easily adjust by adding more seasoning or red pepper flakes if you want a little extra kick.
Can I prepare any part of this dish ahead of time?
You can prep and season the shrimp in advance, as well as mince the garlic. Cooking the pasta fresh ensures the best texture, but these small steps help save time when ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe that feels both comforting and indulgent at the same time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish comes together with simple ingredients but delivers incredible flavors that are sure to impress. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your weekly meal rotation.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal combining tender linguine, perfectly seared shrimp with bold Cajun seasoning, and a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta or pasta of choice
Shrimp Seasoning
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 1 minute per side until charred and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce loosens. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat fully. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp thawed completely works well too.
- If preferred, substitute the cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust seasoning based on your spice tolerance, especially the Cajun or Old Bay seasoning.
- Reserve pasta water is important to loosen and emulsify the sauce for better coating on pasta.
- For extra freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
