Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta (Print Version)

Succulent shrimp in silky garlic cream sauce served over linguine. Easy, elegant, and ready in just 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Pasta

02 - 12 oz linguine

→ Dairy

03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Fresh Herbs & Garnish

10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
11 - Lemon wedges for serving

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
02 - Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
03 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
05 - Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
07 - Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a bit at a time for a silkier sauce.
08 - Return shrimp to the pan and toss just until heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but takes less time than ordering delivery.
  • The garlic cream sauce clings to every strand of pasta like it was designed just for this moment.
  • Shrimp cook so fast you can have this on the table before anyone realizes dinner wasnt planned.
  • It feels fancy enough for guests but forgiving enough for a regular Tuesday.
02 -
  • Do not skip reserving pasta water, that starchy liquid is what transforms a thick sauce into something that coats beautifully.
  • Pull the shrimp from heat as soon as they turn pink, they will continue cooking slightly when added back to the hot pasta.
  • If your sauce breaks or looks greasy, a tablespoon of pasta water whisked in vigorously will bring it back together.
03 -
  • Use the largest skillet you have so the shrimp sear instead of crowding and steaming.
  • Grate your own Parmesan, the pre shredded kind has anti caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
  • Taste the pasta water before draining, it should taste like the sea, if it doesnt, your pasta will be bland.
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