Description
A rich and flavorful creamy garlic shrimp pasta made with succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and tossed with linguine in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion, delivering a perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces (225 grams) linguine pasta
For the Shrimp and Sauce
- 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
- 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 Linguine: Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning if using. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn 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 the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds or until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Parmesan: 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 cooked linguine. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic sauce and shrimp are well distributed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta just before serving for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- The Old Bay seasoning adds a classic seafood flavor but can be substituted with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for variation.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Double the parsley for a more vibrant, fresh taste and color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
