Description
This creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe combines succulent, seasoned shrimp with a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and impressive meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta or pasta of choice
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 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
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the shrimp: Melt 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. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce loosens. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Toss and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat fully. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and help it adhere better to the pasta.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery quickly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be adjusted to taste.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for optimal melting and flavor.
- Optional garnishes like parsley or red pepper flakes add extra color and taste.
