Description

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and indulgent dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp are sautéed with garlic and a blend of seasonings, then tossed in a luscious cream and parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked linguine. Garnished with fresh parsley, this flavorful pasta recipe combines rich, savory, and fresh elements for a satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

8 ounces (225 grams) linguine pasta

Shrimp and Seasonings

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)

Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons butter, divided
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

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Instructions

Cook the Linguine: Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp seasoned with salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, releasing the garlic’s aroma.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy garlic sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

You can substitute Old Bay seasoning with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for different flavor profiles.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
This recipe works well with other types of pasta such as fettuccine or spaghetti.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.