Name: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine pasta (or pasta of choice); 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cajun or old bay seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons butter (divided); 4-5 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 10 reviews

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If you adore dishes that combine rich, velvety textures with bold, satisfying flavors, then this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. It delivers tender, succulent shrimp nestled in a luscious garlic-parmesan sauce that lovingly coats perfectly cooked linguine, creating a harmony of taste and comfort that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends over the weekend, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into an unforgettable, creamy delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with raw shrimp that are coated in a dark spice mix, making the shrimp look gray with brown speckles. The shrimp are curled and layered in the bowl, showing their shells and tails. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some spice bits scattered inside the bowl near the shrimp. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe is simple yet essential, each adding its own magic to the dish’s vibrant flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful appearance. When combined thoughtfully, these basics become much more than their parts.

8 ounces linguine pasta: Choose linguine for its perfect balance of surface area to catch the creamy sauce, though any pasta you love will work.
1 pound large raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are key for quick cooking and delivering that succulent seafood essence.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps season the shrimp beautifully before cooking.
1 teaspoon Cajun or Old Bay seasoning: Brings a gentle kick and depth to the shrimp, boosting the overall complexity.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor without overpowering the fresh minced garlic later on.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano): Infuses the dish with a warm herbaceous note that complements the shrimp perfectly.
½ teaspoon salt and pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and enhance all flavors in the dish.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps build the silky garlic sauce.
4-5 cloves garlic (minced): The star aromatic that provides the signature punch and warmth in every bite.
1 cup heavy cream: The luxurious base for the sauce, making it thick, creamy, and utterly comforting.
½ cup Parmesan (grated): Adds a nutty, salty sharpness that melts into the sauce, creating irresistible depth.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, which is the secret to flavorful pasta. Cook the linguine according to the package until it’s al dente—just tender enough to have a bit of bite. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy water will become the magic that loosens your sauce perfectly later on.

Step 2: Season and Marinate the Shrimp

While the pasta bubbles away, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and a vibrant blend of Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This simple mix is where your shrimp gains that irresistible flavor punch that complements the creamy sauce so well.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp to Charred Perfection

Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp. Let each side cook for about a minute until you get a beautiful char that locks in juices and adds a smoky depth. Then, remove the shrimp and set aside to keep warm while you focus on the sauce.

Step 4: Create the Silky Garlic Cream Sauce

In that same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter before adding the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to awaken your senses without burning the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkled Parmesan cheese, and the reserved pasta water, stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce loosens to a rich, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust salt if necessary to balance the flavors.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Finally, toss your perfectly cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated. Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently mixing so everything combines but the shrimp remain intact and tender. The dish is now ready for serving, bursting with inviting aromas and flavors!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A white plate holds creamy pasta made of thick, yellow noodles twisted in a loose pile as the base layer. On top, pink shrimp with light char marks are scattered evenly. The dish is covered with a creamy white sauce that coats the noodles and shrimp lightly. Finely grated white cheese and small pieces of green herbs are sprinkled generously over everything. A woman's hand holding a fork is twirling some noodles near the bottom left. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a slight blur in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Give your pasta the finishing touch with fresh chopped parsley, more grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. These small touches not only brighten the platter visually but elevate the dish’s flavor, creating a well-rounded experience.

Side Dishes

This creamy garlic shrimp pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, crusty garlic bread, or steamed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides add balance, texture, and a fresh contrast that complements the bold richness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta family-style in a large, rustic bowl garnished generously with herbs for a warm, inviting setting. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual servings with a delicate drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of fresh basil or microgreens on top—making every bite feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your creamy garlic shrimp pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days, though the pasta is best eaten fresh for peak texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing creamy shrimp pasta isn’t recommended as the texture of both the shrimp and cream sauce may suffer upon thawing. Instead, cook the shrimp and sauce fresh and freeze plain pasta if needed to maintain the best quality.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating when possible to prevent the shrimp from turning rubbery and maintain that luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can absolutely work! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release too much water into the dish.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, try substituting half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and thick. You can also add more fresh vegetables to bulk up the dish.

What pasta alternatives work best?

Linguine is perfect for this recipe due to its texture, but fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta can all be great substitutes depending on your preference and dietary needs.

Can I add other seafood or proteins?

Definitely! Scallops, chunks of cooked chicken, or even crab meat can be mixed in to vary the protein, but adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking delicate seafood.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is mild, thanks to just a hint of Cajun or Old Bay seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can increase or decrease the spice according to your taste for a gentle warmth or more kick.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration on your plate every time you make it. The combination of shrimp’s delicate sweetness with that luscious, garlicky cream sauce is pure kitchen magic. Whip it up for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and watch it become an instant favorite in your recipe collection.

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