Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. We’re talking perfectly cooked shrimp tossed with silky linguine and smothered in a dreamy, garlicky parmesan sauce. It’s a little bit fancy, a lot comforting, and honestly, downright irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients for Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, but every single one makes a difference. From juicy shrimp to luscious cream and savory parmesan, each piece adds something special to that final, memorable forkful.

• Linguine pasta: Use your favorite type—regular, whole wheat, or even gluten-free. Linguine gives you those gorgeous twirls that carry the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Olive oil: A splash brings a little fruitiness and richness to the shrimp when you first sauté them.
• Butter (divided): The combination of oil and butter is the secret to ultra-flavorful shrimp and an ultra-luxurious sauce.
• Raw shrimp: Go for peeled, deveined shrimp—fresh or frozen. Shrimp are the star and cook in just minutes!
• Salt & ground black pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balancing the sauce.
• Old Bay seasoning (or paprika/cajun): Adds a delicious kick. Go classic with Old Bay or swap in whatever spice blend you love.
• Garlic (minced): The heart and soul of the sauce—a good clove or two makes everything taste irresistible.
• Heavy cream: The creaminess! This is what binds your sauce and transforms it from weeknight dinner to pure decadence.
• Parmesan (grated): Nutty, salty, and magical melted into the sauce. Freshly grated is always best if you can swing it.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): A pop of color and peppery freshness to bring the whole dish together.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is just how versatile it is—there’s always room to make it your own. Whether you want to sneak in some extra veggies, adjust the heat, or swap out pasta shapes, the possibilities are endless.

• Go gluten-free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check your parmesan for any additives.
• Add vegetables: Toss in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini ribbons for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or swap paprika for a punchy Cajun seasoning.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and a bit less butter for a lighter (but still creamy) sauce.
• Change up the protein: Try sliced chicken breast or seared scallops in place of shrimp if you’re in the mood for a switch.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your linguine and cook until just al dente—remember, you want a little bite left since the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. Right before draining, reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water; it’s the magic ticket for loosening up the sauce later!

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and toss with salt, pepper, and Old Bay or your chosen seasoning. Watch them closely—shrimp cook in just a minute or two per side. If you have a lot, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once pink, transfer them to a plate.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

With the shrimp out, add the remaining butter to the same pan and toss in your minced garlic. Give it 30 seconds or so to turn fragrant (don’t wait too long or it may burn!). Pour in the heavy cream and use a spatula to gently deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty bits.

Step 4: Melt in Parmesan & Loosen the Sauce

Sprinkle the grated parmesan into your simmering cream sauce. Let it melt in, then gradually add splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce is glossy and clings perfectly to the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Toss It All Together

Add your drained linguine directly to the sauce and gently toss until every strand is generously coated. Slide the shrimp (and any tasty juices from the plate!) back in, letting them reheat for a minute. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley for herby color and zing. Dinner is served!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Garnishes

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta loves to be finished with a blizzard of freshly chopped parsley and just a little extra grated parmesan right before serving. A few cracks of black pepper or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil will make the dish look as mouthwatering as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich, so I like to balance it with simple sides—a crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette or roasted asparagus is always perfect. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with slices of warm, crusty bread to mop up the garlicky sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try twirling the pasta into little nests with kitchen tongs and arranging shrimp on top for a restaurant-style look. Serve in wide, shallow bowls so all that beautiful sauce and glistening shrimp take center stage. A sprinkle of microgreens or pink peppercorns adds flair if you’re feeling fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Divide it up for easy lunches—you’ll thank yourself tomorrow.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this pasta, as the creamy sauce can split and the shrimp may get rubbery after thawing. It’s really meant to be enjoyed fresh, but it reheats well from the fridge.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding just a splash of water or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently and heat only until warmed through to keep shrimp tender; if using a microwave, cover loosely and stir once halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something a little bit luxurious (without spending hours in the kitchen), you have to give Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta a try. It’s impossible not to swoon over those twirls of pasta, juicy shrimp, and garlicky parmesan sauce—this is the kind of meal that just makes everyone happy. Grab your fork and dig in. You’re going to love it!

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