Looking for a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? This Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe is the answer! The shrimp are perfectly seasoned, and the sauce is rich, creamy, and garlicky. With just the right amount of spice and flavor, this pasta dish is perfect for any occasion whether it’s a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal. Let’s get cooking!
Method
Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the linguine and cook until it’s al dente just tender with a little bite left. This should take around 9-10 minutes. After the pasta is cooked, drain it and be sure to reserve a little bit of pasta water for later to help with the sauce.
While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp. In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are well-coated with the seasoning mix so every bite is packed with flavor.
Next, cook the shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook them once they’re pink, they’re done! After they’re cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Then, it’s time to make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden. Once the garlic is aromatic, pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Next, stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become creamy. The sauce should have a nice consistency by the time you’re ready to mix in the pasta.
Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and stir it gently, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Once the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, add the shrimp back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the shrimp is evenly mixed into the pasta and sauce. Allow the dish to cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through.Finally, garnish and serve. Once the creamy shrimp linguine is ready, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and flavor. If you like, add some Parmesan cheese and fresh basil to give the dish an extra burst of flavor. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Necessary Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Pot for boiling linguine
- Strainer for draining pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife for chopping parsley and garlic
- Zester (optional, for lemon zest)
Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (With Garlic)
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
For the Shrimp & Pasta:
1 lb Argentinian shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Fresh juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz linguine pasta
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red paprika powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
For Garnishing:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Once it’s boiling, add the linguine and cook it until it’s al dente (just tender). This should take about 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve a little bit of pasta water for the sauce later.
- Season the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, season your shrimp. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is well-coated with the seasoning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter melts, add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Everything: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet, along with a little bit of the reserved pasta water (to help thin the sauce, if needed). Stir everything together to make sure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add the Shrimp: Now, add the cooked shrimp back into the pan. Toss everything together gently so the shrimp and pasta are evenly mixed with the sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to make sure everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the shrimp linguine is ready, garnish with fresh parsley, and if you like, top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so make sure not to overcook them. Once they turn pink, they’re done! Overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery.
- Simmer the sauce properly: Let the sauce simmer long enough to meld the flavors, but don’t let it boil too hard. You want the sauce to thicken without burning.
- Watch the pasta: Make sure you don’t overcook the linguine! It should still have a little bite to it when you drain it to avoid becoming mushy in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- This creamy shrimp linguine is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light green salad to round out the meal.
- If you like a little extra crunch, top the pasta with some crispy fried onions for added texture.
- Pair this dish with a nice glass of white wine, like a Chardonnay, to complement the creamy flavors.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Argentinian shrimp are known for their sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture? They’re often considered some of the best-tasting shrimp in the world! They’re also a great source of protein, making them a perfect addition to this creamy pasta.
Conclusion
This Creamy Shrimp Linguine is a rich, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a comforting meal, this recipe will never disappoint. The garlic, lemon, and spices make each bite a delight, while the creamy sauce brings everything together in a perfect harmony. Give it a try your taste buds will thank you!
