Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels fancy but comes together in a snap, you’re going to love this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe. I stumbled on this combination when I wanted a quick weeknight meal that didn’t skimp on flavor. The creaminess of the sauce paired with garlicky shrimp and the zing from the paprika spices makes every bite comforting yet exciting.

This recipe is perfect when you want to impress without sweating over the stove for hours. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a casual dinner party, the silky linguine soaked in that luscious garlic cream sauce will have everyone asking for seconds — trust me, I know because my family can’t get enough!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here lies in simple ingredients working together—shrimp marinated with aromatic spices, a rich cream sauce balanced with tangy tomato sauce, and of course, plenty of garlic. Shopping tip: look for fresh large Argentinian shrimp if you can, but frozen is totally fine too—just thaw and pat dry for best results.

• Large Argentinian Shrimp: They’re meaty and sweet, which stands up beautifully to the creamy sauce. If using frozen, thaw completely and dry well to avoid watery sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps develop that lovely golden garlic flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
• Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh is best here—it really makes the sauce sing with that warm pungency.
• Tomato Sauce: Just a splash adds subtle acidity to cut through the creaminess. You can use homemade or store-bought.
• Heavy Cream: This is the base of the sauce, giving it the silky texture everyone loves.
• Fresh Parsley: For that fresh, bright contrast on top at the end.
• Linguine Pasta: Its flat shape makes it hold that creamy sauce perfectly. Spaghetti works too if you’re in a pinch.
• Salt & Pepper: Season everything well — taste as you go.
• Parmesan (optional): If you like a cheesy note, freshly grated on top is divine.
• Fresh Basil (optional): Adds a lovely herbal aroma and a burst of color.
• Garlic Powder, Red Paprika Powder, Smoked Paprika Powder, Dried Oregano: These seasonings bring a smoky, savory depth to the shrimp marinade and the sauce.
• Lemon Juice and Olive Oil (for marinade): Brightens and tenderizes the shrimp while infusing extra flavor.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy most about the Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to tweak the flavors or swap in some ingredients depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry.

• Use Scallops or Chicken: I once swapped shrimp for seared scallops for a different texture but equally elegant feel, and it was a hit with the guests.
• Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream to keep it silky, especially if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat if you love that smoky paprika flavor but want a little kick.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in some wilted spinach or cherry tomatoes toward the end to lift the dish and add freshness.
• Gluten-Free Linguine: I’ve successfully used gluten-free pasta brands without losing any of the sauce’s creaminess or comfort.

How to Make Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, red and smoked paprika, and dried oregano in a bowl. Toss your peeled and dried shrimp in this marinade, and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes. I like to do this while the pasta water comes to a boil—it ensures the shrimp soak up all those smoky, garlicky notes without any extra effort.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Just Right

While the shrimp marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add your linguine and cook it according to package instructions until al dente — I usually take it off a minute before the package suggests. This way, the pasta finishes cooking when tossed in the sauce, soaking up all that luscious cream.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp

Melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute—be careful, garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Then add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for about 1-2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque but don’t overcook them or they get rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, pour in the heavy cream and tomato sauce. Stir everything together, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the shrimp and garlic. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and if you want a little extra depth, sprinkle a tiny pinch more of paprika or garlic powder.

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Shrimp Together

Drain the linguine, reserving a little pasta water. Add the pasta to the sauce-pan along with the cooked shrimp. Toss everything gently over low heat so the linguine is coated beautifully and the shrimp get re-warmed without drying out. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of pasta water to loosen it up to your liking.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top right before serving — it brings a fresh burst of color and flavor. If you’re a cheese fan, a handful of freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely nutty touch. For a pop of herbaceous brightness, fresh basil leaves are fantastic too, especially in warmer months.

Side Dishes

Pair this shrimp linguine with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the rich sauce. Garlic bread or a warm baguette work great to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness. I also love roasted asparagus or steamed green beans on the side for a little veggie crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few edible flowers for a restaurant-style look. Another favorite trick is twisting the linguine into neat nests using tongs on the plate before topping with shrimp and herbs—simple, but elegant!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp can get a little firmer after refrigeration, so it’s best eaten quickly. I like to keep the sauce and pasta together so the flavors meld even more overnight.

Freezing

I haven’t had much luck freezing the creamy shrimp linguine because cream sauces tend to separate when thawed. If you want to freeze, try freezing the shrimp and linguine separately (without sauce) to preserve texture, then prepare a fresh sauce when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Stir often and avoid high heat, which can toughen the shrimp. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for how effortlessly it delivers restaurant-quality flavors with everyday ingredients. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is simple enough to whip up even on a busy day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and don’t forget to add your own personal touch. Serve it up, grab a glass of your favorite wine, and savor every creamy, garlicky forkful!

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