This Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine is a delightful dish that combines perfectly cooked shrimp with a luscious, creamy sauce, all over a bed of tender linguine. The best part? It takes just about 30 minutes to pull together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table. Perfect for those days when you want something comforting yet fast.
Rich and Flavorful: The creamy sauce, paired with the subtle sweetness of the shrimp, creates a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasonings or swap ingredients to make it your own. It’s so flexible and perfect for experimenting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine. These ingredients come together effortlessly, delivering bold flavors that everyone will love.

Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Shrimp adds a delicate sweetness and a nice bite to the dish.
Linguine: Classic linguine works best here, but spaghetti or fettuccine can also be substituted.
Heavy Cream: This creates that rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the texture won’t be quite as creamy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for infusing the sauce with aromatic flavor. You can’t go wrong with a generous amount!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds saltiness and depth to the creamy sauce, making it irresistible.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, giving it that silky, smooth texture we all love.
Chicken Broth: A splash of chicken broth adds flavor and helps thin out the sauce, balancing out the richness of the cream and butter.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat are all you need to bring the flavors together.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing zing.

Note: You can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

Variations

This recipe is very versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it to suit your tastes:

Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili to give the dish some extra heat.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the shrimp for mushrooms or zucchini for a delightful, meat-free version of the dish.
Different Seafood: If shrimp isn’t your favorite, try scallops or even crab meat for a change of pace.
Herbs and Greens: Add a handful of spinach or arugula at the end of cooking for a pop of color and a hint of bitterness to balance the creaminess.

How to Make Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan, and then add the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the cooked linguine, gently tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice

Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the dish to brighten the flavors. Give it one last toss and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure not to leave it in the skillet for too long. Once it turns pink and opaque, it’s done.
Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, opt for freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. For a lighter sauce, add a splash more chicken broth or pasta water.
Save Some Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water to the sauce is a great way to make sure the sauce sticks to the linguine without making it too runny.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect as is, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some great ideas:

Garnishes:

Top with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra parmesan, or even some lemon zest for a burst of flavor.

Side Dish:

Pair it with a crisp, green salad to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser too.

Wine Pairing:

A light white wine like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this creamy shrimp linguine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy shrimp linguine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits, but it will still be delicious when reheated.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While linguine works perfectly for this recipe, you can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the pasta you choose.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.

Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be less rich but still flavorful.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine is a perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. With just a few ingredients and minimal time, you can create a meal that feels luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe