Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender linguine pasta is tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce loaded with juicy, seasoned shrimp. The sauce is enhanced with parmesan cheese and a hint of Italian herbs, making this dish a flavorful and satisfying treat that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta (or pasta of choice)
Shrimp
- 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
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions, about 10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, combine the shrimp with olive oil, cajun or old bay seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and stir to evenly coat the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 1 minute per side until charred and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until the parmesan melts and the sauce loosens. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Top with the cooked shrimp and gently toss again to combine.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, extra parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta shape.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Use fresh shrimp when possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
