If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate but comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner, this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is the answer. Tender linguine coated in a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce pairs perfectly with juicy, flavorful shrimp that have just the right hint of seasoning. It’s simple yet indulgent, and every bite bursts with comforting flavors that will make you want to keep coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings elegance and ease straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible balance of rich, savory, and fresh flavors. Every component from the garlic to the parsley ensures this dish is vibrant and satisfying.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: The perfect noodle shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and tender shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the shrimp beautifully without sticking.
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter (divided): Brings richness and creaminess to the sauce and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
- 1 pound raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these cook quickly and soak up all those delicious seasonings.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning water, shrimp, and sauce to enhance every flavor layer.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (optional): Or smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning – these spices introduce a lovely warmth and depth to the shrimp.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): The star flavor, infusing the sauce with that signature garlicky aroma and punch.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky base for the sauce that wraps around every pasta strand.
- ½ cup parmesan (grated): Adds salty, cheesy goodness that melts perfectly into the cream sauce.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbal burst to brighten the dish just before serving.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a medium-sized saucepan of salted water to a boil. The salt seasons the pasta internally and is crucial for flavor. Add the linguine and cook following the package instructions until al dente, meaning it has just the right bite without becoming mushy. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta water – this starchy gold will help loosen the sauce later and make it silky smooth.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil. This combination ensures the shrimp don’t stick and get a beautiful sear. Add the shrimp, letting them cook about a minute, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite alternative). Cooking in batches if needed prevents overcooking and keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. Once the shrimp turn a lovely pink color, take them off the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until you can smell that irresistible garlic fragrance filling the kitchen. Pour in the heavy cream and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze, lifting all those yummy browned bits. Let the cream warm up before adding parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy, cheesy sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually and let the sauce simmer for a minute to find the perfect consistency. Taste test and adjust salt and pepper to bring the flavors to life.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Toss your cooked linguine into the sauce, making sure every strand gets luxuriously coated. Fold the shrimp back into the pan, gently stirring to reheat them without overcooking. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and fresh herbal notes. Serve immediately and watch your loved ones enjoy every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can elevate the dish instantly. Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines when paired with light, crisp sides. Think a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or garlic buttered roasted asparagus. These sides complement without overpowering the creamy, garlicky shrimp pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe in wide shallow bowls to showcase all the ingredients visually. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress guests. You could also offer crusty garlic bread on the side for dunking into the sauce—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Shrimp Pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp can become a bit firmer upon reheating, but the flavors often deepen overnight, making for a tasty second serving.
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, it’s best to freeze it without the shrimp as seafood can lose texture. Freeze the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Avoid microwaving at high power as shrimp can toughen, and the sauce might separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for this dish, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta type for optimal texture.
Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?
No, not at all. Old Bay adds a distinctive seafood-friendly kick, but you can substitute with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or simply stick to salt and pepper for a milder flavor.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular linguine for gluten-free pasta. The sauce and shrimp will stay just as delicious, making it friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
The key is cooking shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Cooking in batches and removing them from heat promptly as described in the recipe is the best way to keep them tender.
Can I prepare this dish vegan or vegetarian?
You can! Use plant-based butter and cream alternatives, swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and choose a vegan parmesan substitute to enjoy a similar creamy garlic pasta experience.
Final Thoughts
When you make this Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe, you’re creating more than just a meal—you’re delivering a quick yet impressive dish that feels special but is incredibly easy. It’s perfect for those days when you want something comforting yet exciting on your plate. I promise once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites as it has for me and so many others. So grab that garlic, shrimp, and pasta, and get cooking!
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Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, tossed with al dente linguine. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (optional, or substitute with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about one minute. Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning or your chosen substitute. Continue cooking the shrimp until pink and opaque, cooking in batches if necessary. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the remaining ½ tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and use a spatula to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from cooking the shrimp. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the cream. Loosen the sauce by gradually adding reserved pasta water, then simmer for one minute. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan to gently reheat and combine flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Old Bay seasoning can be substituted with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for different flavor profiles.
- Use frozen peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience; thaw completely before cooking.
