Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring juicy shrimp coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, served over al dente linguine pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines aromatic garlic, tender shrimp, and a luscious creamy sauce for an indulgent culinary experience.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta or pasta of choice
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 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.
- Prepare 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.
- Combine 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
- Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- You can substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for variation.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.25 cups)
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 17 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 22 grams
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
