Hey there, it’s Betty from Betty Cooks! Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite ways to get a restaurant-worthy dinner on the table in no time flat. This creamy garlic shrimp pasta recipe is the answer to those hectic evenings when you want something truly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of simple, flavorful dish that makes you feel like a gourmet cook. Trust me, once you try this incredibly easy creamy shrimp linguine, it’s going to become a staple in your dinner rotation. The combination of plump, juicy shrimp tossed in a luxuriously smooth garlic-Parmesan sauce is simply irresistible, and the best part? You only need one skillet and about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a perfect quick and easy recipe for those busy weeknights.
Key Takeaways
- 30-Minute Marvel: This entire dish, from prep to plate, comes together in half an hour.
- One-Pan Wonder (Mostly): You’ll cook the shrimp and sauce all in one skillet, minimizing cleanup.
- Restaurant-Quality, Home-Cooked Ease: The creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to make.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Easily customize with different proteins, veggies, or a lighter sauce base.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or when you need to impress guests quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Pasta
If you’re searching for a quick and easy pasta recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, you’ve found it. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a reliable, delicious solution for busy nights. The beauty lies in its simplicity—a handful of pantry staples transforms into a creamy, garlicky masterpiece that coats every strand of pasta and every juicy shrimp perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but requires no special skills. Whether you’re cooking for your family or making a romantic dinner for two, this recipe consistently delivers comfort and satisfaction.
My Secret for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time
The key to a great shrimp pasta dish is, unsurprisingly, perfectly cooked shrimp. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, and nobody wants that! My foolproof method is simple: pat the shrimp very dry before cooking. This ensures they get a nice sear instead of steaming in their own moisture. Then, cook them just until they turn pink and opaque—usually only 1-2 minutes per side in a hot pan. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a little when you add them back to the hot sauce at the end. Taking them out of the pan at the right moment guarantees tender, succulent shrimp in your final dish.
The Magic of a Simple, Creamy Garlic Sauce
This sauce is where the easy shrimp linguine truly earns its “creamy” title. We start by sautéing plenty of fresh garlic in the same pan used for the shrimp, which picks up all those delicious browned bits (fond) for extra flavor. Then, we build a luscious sauce with cream, broth, and a generous helping of Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan doesn’t just add saltiness; it melts into the sauce, helping it thicken naturally and cling to the pasta. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth that balances the richness. It’s a versatile sauce base you can adapt endlessly, but in this classic form, it’s absolute perfection.
How to Make This an Even Quicker Weeknight Dinner
Life gets busy, and sometimes you need dinner even faster. Here are my pro-tips for turning this into a lightning-fast meal: use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp from the freezer section (just thaw them first). You can also swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for a lighter, yet still creamy, version. Having a jar of minced garlic on hand saves a chopping step. With these little shortcuts, you can have this comforting creamy shrimp linguine recipe easy on the table in well under 30 minutes, making it a true lifesaver on hectic evenings.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Shrimp Pasta
While this pasta is a complete meal in itself, a simple side can turn it into a feast. I love serving it with a crisp, green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser for soaking up every last drop of that creamy garlic sauce. For a healthier option, some roasted asparagus or broccoli florets tossed in olive oil and salt make a fantastic and colorful addition to the plate. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the garlic and seafood flavors.
Why This is My Go-To for Impromptu Guests
Have you ever had friends pop over unexpectedly around dinnertime? This recipe is my secret weapon. It’s impressive enough to feel like you planned a special meal, yet simple enough that you won’t be stressed in the kitchen. The process is straightforward, the ingredients are usually on hand, and the result is universally loved. There’s something about a steaming bowl of creamy garlic shrimp pasta that feels both comforting and celebratory. It’s the perfect dish to share, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with minimal effort—exactly what you want when hosting.
Ready to Make This Easy Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
I hope you’re as excited to make this easy shrimp linguine recipe as I am to share it with you. It encapsulates everything I believe in at Betty Cooks: delicious food that fits into real life. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a reliable friend for your weeknight dinner routine. So, grab your skillet, put some pasta water on to boil, and get ready to make a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. For more simple, flavor-packed recipes that make cooking a joy, don’t forget to explore BettyCooks.com.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Shrimp
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Leave a Comment