Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Pasta
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Pasta is a rich yet effortless dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your table.
Tender shrimp are quickly seared in butter and olive oil, then tossed with linguine in a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Finished with fresh parsley and a touch of Old Bay for warmth and depth, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent comfort and fresh, coastal elegance—ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Why People Will Love Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Pasta:
Restaurant-quality flavor at home – The buttery garlic cream sauce with freshly grated Parmesan delivers the richness and depth you’d expect from a high-end pasta dish.
Perfectly tender shrimp – Quick searing keeps the shrimp juicy, sweet, and delicately seasoned without overcooking.
Luxuriously creamy yet balanced – The sauce is rich and silky without feeling heavy, thanks to the balance of cream, cheese, and pasta water.
Simple ingredients, elevated result – Everyday pantry staples come together to create a dish that feels special and indulgent.
Quick and satisfying – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and last-minute entertaining.
Bold garlic-forward aroma – Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible fragrance and flavor.
Comforting yet elegant – Hearty enough to satisfy, yet refined enough to serve for date nights or guests.
Highly customizable – Easily adapted with spice, vegetables, or different pasta shapes to suit personal taste.
Crowd-pleasing seafood dish – Appeals to both pasta lovers and seafood fans alike.
Key Ingredients:
Shrimp – The star of the dish, quickly seared to lock in natural sweetness and a tender, juicy bite.
Linguine pasta – Long, flat strands that perfectly capture and hold the creamy garlic sauce in every forkful.
Fresh garlic – Aromatic and bold, it forms the heart of the sauce, infusing it with deep, savory flavor.
Butter and olive oil – Used together to create richness while preventing the butter from burning, resulting in a smooth, flavorful base.
Heavy cream – Adds luxurious body and silkiness to the sauce without overwhelming the shrimp.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for best results, it melts smoothly into the sauce, adding nutty depth and savory richness.
Old Bay seasoning – Brings subtle warmth and coastal spice that enhances the shrimp without overpowering the dish.
Pasta cooking water – A key finishing ingredient that loosens the sauce while helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Fresh parsley – Adds brightness, color, and a fresh finish that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
Expert Tips:
Do not overcook the shrimp – Shrimp cook very quickly. Searing them for just 1–2 minutes per side keeps them tender and juicy; overcooking will make them rubbery.
Pat shrimp dry before cooking – Removing surface moisture helps the shrimp sear properly and develop better flavor instead of steaming.
Use a combination of butter and olive oil – Olive oil raises the smoke point while butter adds richness, giving you the best flavor without burning.
Bloom the garlic gently – Sauté garlic just until fragrant; browning it too much will introduce bitterness into the sauce.
Deglaze the pan for maximum flavor – Scraping up the browned bits after cooking the shrimp adds depth and enhances the sauce.
Add Parmesan gradually – Stir in the cheese slowly over low heat to ensure it melts smoothly and doesn’t clump.
Use pasta water strategically – Add a little at a time to loosen the sauce while maintaining its creamy texture and helping it cling to the pasta.
Taste before final seasoning – Parmesan and Old Bay are naturally salty, so adjust salt and pepper only after the sauce comes together.
Combine pasta and shrimp at the end – This prevents overcooking the shrimp and keeps them perfectly tender.
Serve immediately – Cream-based pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh while the sauce is silky and smooth.
How to make Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Pasta
Ingredients
8 ounces linguine, cooked according to package directions
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp garlic, freshly minced
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
¼ cup Parsley, freshly chopped
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions
When ready to drain, reserve 1 cup of the water from the pan
In a skillet set on medium heat, melt the butter
Add in the Olive Oil
Gently place the shrimp in the pan and cook for one minute
Sprinkle the seasoning over the shrimp and flip the shrimp to cook for another minute or two until no longer pink
Set the shrimp on a plate and set to the side
In the same pan, add in butter and garlic, saute until fragrant
Add in the heavy cream and scrape the skillet bottom to deglaze
Add in the parmesan cheese and allow it to melt
Loosen the sauce up by adding a small amount of the pasta water until desired consistency
Taste the sauce and add more Old Bay, salt and pepper if needed
Add in the drained pasta and the shrimp
Stir to coat the shrimp and the linguine completely
Top with the freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy!
Important Notes When Making Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Pasta:
This dish is best enjoyed fresh – Cream-based sauces thicken as they cool, so the texture is silkiest right after cooking.
Shrimp size matters – Medium to large shrimp work best, as they stay juicy and don’t overcook as quickly as smaller shrimp.
Freshly grated Parmesan is essential – Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and can make the sauce grainy.
Low heat is key once cream is added – High heat can cause the cream to separate or the cheese to seize.
Pasta water is not optional – Its starch helps bind the sauce and creates a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Old Bay seasoning adds salt – Adjust additional salt carefully to avoid over-seasoning.
Garlic should never brown deeply – Light golden color is fine; dark garlic will taste bitter.
The sauce thickens quickly – If it becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Timing matters – Have all ingredients prepped before cooking since the recipe moves quickly once you start.
Not ideal for freezing – Cream sauces can break when frozen and reheated.
How to Enjoy Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Pasta After Cooking
Serve immediately while the sauce is silky
This dish is at its best right after cooking, when the cream sauce is smooth, glossy, and perfectly coats the pasta.
Gently toss before plating
Give the pasta a light toss to redistribute the sauce and shrimp so every portion is evenly coated.
Plate thoughtfully
Twirl the linguine into a shallow bowl or wide plate and top with shrimp for an elegant presentation.
Finish with fresh garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a little extra grated Parmesan to add freshness and enhance flavor.
Add freshly cracked black pepper
A light pepper finish sharpens the creaminess and brings balance to the dish.
Pair with something light and crisp
Serve alongside a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed greens to balance the richness.
Enjoy with warm bread if desired
Crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce.
Keep portions moderate
The dish is rich and satisfying, so moderate servings make it more enjoyable.
Reheat gently if needed
Warm leftovers slowly over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce.
Best for relaxed, special meals
Ideal for date nights, family dinners, or when you want a comforting yet refined meal.
Nutrition Information:
For Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Pasta
(Values are approximate and based on 1 serving, assuming the recipe serves about 4.)
Calories: 560–620 kcal | Total Fat: 30–34 g | Saturated Fat: 16–18 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8–10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3–4 g | Cholesterol: 230–260 mg | Sodium: 850–1,050 mg (depending on Old Bay, Parmesan, and added salt) | Total Carbohydrates: 48–52 g | Dietary Fiber: 2–3 g | Sugars: 3–4 g | Protein: 32–36 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice. Linguine works well with this dish, but you can substitute it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other pasta you prefer.
Is it necessary to use Old Bay Seasoning, or can I use a different seasoning?
While Old Bay Seasoning adds a unique flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with your favorite seafood seasoning blend or a combination of herbs and spices that you enjoy.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp if you prefer.
Simply add them to the sauce at the end of the cooking process to warm them through without overcooking.
How can I make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?
To make the dish lighter, you can use reduced-fat versions of ingredients such as heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
You can also reduce the amount of butter used or omit it altogether.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time and store them separately.
When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine everything just before serving for the best taste and texture.
What can I serve as a side dish with this creamy garlic shrimp pasta?
This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as garlic bread, a green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus.
Can I add other ingredients to the sauce for extra flavor?
Yes, you can customize the sauce by adding ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked through?
Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque.
Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
However, the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
How long does this dish keep in the refrigerator?
Creamy garlic shrimp pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.