Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe
If there’s one dish that hits the perfect intersection of comfort and elegance, it’s this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic). Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp nestled in velvety linguine and bathed in a sauce that’s lush with garlic, tomato, and cream—topped off with herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This is the kind of weeknight magic that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Italian trattoria, without ever leaving your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) so fantastic is how each ingredient plays a specific role—building layers of flavor, creaminess, and freshness. From the brightness of lemon to the aromatic hit of garlic and the gentle heat of paprika, each component deserves a spot in the spotlight.
- Large Argentinian Shrimp (400 g): These are sweet, juicy, and meaty, making the dish taste truly special.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp): Adds rich, mellow flavor and gives the sauce that luxurious mouth-feel.
- Garlic Cloves (4, minced): The hero of the show—garlic provides irresistible aroma and depth.
- Tomato Sauce (200 ml): Brings tang and a vibrant red hue, balancing out the cream.
- Heavy Cream (500 ml): This is what makes the sauce so creamy and indulgent.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): For a pop of color and a burst of freshness at the end.
- Linguine Pasta (300 g): The perfect shape for soaking up that creamy, garlicky sauce.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors—don’t skip the seasoning!
- Parmesan (optional, grated): Adds a nutty, salty note that works so well with cream sauces.
- Fresh Basil (optional): If you love an herby twist, a few torn basil leaves elevate every bite.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): This gives a double dose of garlicky goodness to the shrimp.
- Red Paprika Powder (1 tsp): Lends color and a mild, smoky sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika Powder (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor and adds an irresistible smokiness.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Italian aroma in a sprinkle—completes the seasoning for the shrimp.
- Juice from Half a Lemon: Brightens everything up and helps balance the richness.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for coating the shrimp and sautéing—adds fruity, peppery notes.
How to Make Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic)
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Begin by tossing the peeled and dried Argentinian shrimp with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, red paprika, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. This quick marinade infuses every bite of shrimp with bold, zesty flavor while the lemon juice keeps things bright. Make sure those plump shrimp are coated well, so each one turns out succulent and full of character in the finished dish.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat up a touch of olive oil in your favorite large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and sear for just 1–2 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully pink and a little curled. Don’t overcook them—shrimp go from juicy to rubbery in a heartbeat! Once they’re perfect, take them out of the pan and set aside, keeping all those tasty juices for the next steps.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Drop the unsalted butter into the same skillet (no need to wipe it out) and let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté gently until that garlic is gorgeously golden and your kitchen smells downright irresistible. The butter infuses the garlic with creaminess, and all those shrimp bits left behind add depth to the sauce you’re about to create.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Now, pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring to blend them smoothly. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Let the whole mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens into serious silkiness. Don’t forget to hit it with a little salt and freshly cracked pepper at this point.
Step 5: Cook the Linguine
While your sauce is bubbling away, cook your linguine pasta in generously salted water until it’s just al dente (usually about a minute less than the package says). Reserve half a cup of that glorious starchy pasta water—this is liquid gold for sauce! Drain the linguine well.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Add the cooked linguine and a splash of pasta water directly into the skillet with the creamy shrimp sauce. Toss everything together over low heat until every strand of pasta is perfectly coated. Sprinkle over a generous handful of chopped parsley, and finish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if you feel like treating yourself. This is the Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) at its most irresistible!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic)
Garnishes
Nothing brings this creamy delight to life quite like the right garnish. A shower of fresh parsley is classic, adding both color and freshness. Try microplaning a little Parmesan right before serving for a salty, nutty finish. If you want to make the flavors pop even more, scatter a few torn basil leaves on top just as you plate—it makes each forkful fragrant and bright.
Side Dishes
Pairing is all about balance! A simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic). Warm, crusty garlic bread is absolutely irresistible for saucing up every last drop. For a lighter touch, steamed asparagus or green beans work beautifully alongside this pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
To ramp up the wow factor, try twirling individual portions of linguine into little nests on each plate, crowning them with plump shrimp. Serve in shallow bowls for that restaurant vibe, or use a large, rustic platter and let everyone dig in family-style. For an extra special occasion, finish each plate with a light drizzle of olive oil and a few extra grinds of black pepper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (good luck!), transfer the cooled Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it almost as good the next day!
Freezing
Creamy sauces can be tricky to freeze, as the texture may change once thawed and reheated. If you must freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a separate airtight container from the pasta for best results. Consume within a month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To recapture that silky sauce, reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk, stirring gently. Avoid microwaving shrimp for long, as they can become tough. If needed, add a bit more pasta water to help the sauce loosen up and cling beautifully to the noodles again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic)?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before marinating, so you get that perfect sear and no excess water diluting the flavors.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
If you’d like to lighten things up a bit, you can substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk and a bit of cream. The sauce will be less rich but still tasty and creamy.
What other pasta shapes work with this recipe?
Linguine is classic, but fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will do a fabulous job of holding onto the sauce. Just keep an eye on cooking times so your pasta stays al dente.
Can I make this dish without tomato sauce?
Yes! If you prefer a pure garlic cream base, simply leave out the tomato sauce and add a splash more cream or even a bit of white wine for extra depth.
Are there any veggie add-ins you recommend?
Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas are wonderful ways to add a bit of color and nutrition to your Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic). Just toss them in with the sauce before adding the pasta.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing, soul-warming meal that looks impressive but is genuinely easy, the Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) is pure gold. Give it a try, gather your favorite people, and get ready for empty plates and plenty of happy sighs at the dinner table!
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Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy shrimp linguine recipe that’s quick and easy to make. With a flavorful garlic-infused sauce, tender shrimp, and al dente pasta, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 400 g Large Argentinian Shrimp (peeled and dried)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 Juice from Lemon
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Red Paprika Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
For the Pasta:
- 300 g Linguine Pasta
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Pasta Water
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 200 ml Tomato Sauce
- 500 ml Heavy Cream
Optional Toppings:
- Parmesan (grated)
- Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the peeled and dried shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, and dried oregano in a bowl.
- Cook the Shrimp: Sauté the seasoned shrimp in a skillet until pink and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in butter. Add tomato sauce and heavy cream, then return the shrimp to simmer together.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook linguine pasta al dente, then add it to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce along with pasta water.
- Finish and Serve: Toss the pasta and shrimp together, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: Shrimp Linguine, Creamy Pasta, Garlic Shrimp Recipe, Weeknight Dinner
