Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Pasta

Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Pasta is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked linguine. This recipe offers a blend of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

The shrimp are seasoned with Old Bay and quickly cooked to retain their tenderness, while the creamy garlic sauce, enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a dish that can be prepared relatively quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something delicious and comforting.

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!

Notes:

Pasta Preparation: Cook the linguine according to package directions. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining, as it helps to adjust the sauce consistency later.

Shrimp Cooking: Season peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning. Sauté briefly in a combination of olive oil and butter until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring not to overcook them to maintain their tender texture.

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Garlic Cream Sauce: Use the same skillet to create a rich, creamy garlic sauce. After sautéing minced garlic in butter until fragrant, deglaze the pan with heavy cream. This process incorporates the flavors left behind from cooking the shrimp and garlic.

Cheese Integration: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, allowing it to melt slowly. This step contributes to the sauce’s creamy texture and adds a savory depth of flavor.

Adjusting Consistency: Gradually incorporate reserved pasta water into the sauce until reaching the desired thickness. This helps bind the sauce to the linguine and shrimp evenly.

Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce before combining it with the drained pasta and shrimp. Adjust seasoning with more Old Bay, salt, and pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Combining and Serving: Toss the cooked linguine and shrimp in the creamy garlic sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Enjoyment: Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each bite of linguine and shrimp is coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Nutrition Information:

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.