Name: Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ Juice from Lemon; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Red Paprika Powder; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Powder; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 400 g Large Argentinian Shrimp, peeled and dried; 3 tablespoon Unsalted Butter; 4 Garlic Cloves, minced; 200 ml Tomato Sauce; 500 ml Heavy Cream; Fresh Parsley, chopped (to taste); 300 g Linguine Pasta; Salt & Pepper to taste; Parmesan, grated (optional); Fresh Basil (optional); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Red Paprika Powder; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Powder; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano

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If you’re searching for a dish that’s both impressive and effortless, this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe absolutely hits the spot. I love how it blends tender, flavorful shrimp with a luscious creamy sauce that’s kissed by savory garlic—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. What makes it special is the balance: it’s rich but not overwhelming, and the subtle smokiness from the paprika spices takes this classic pasta to another level.

One of my favorite things about this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing any taste. The marinade on the shrimp preps them with just the right kick, and the creamy tomato sauce brings everything home beautifully. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s elegant enough to serve to guests but simple enough for any day you want something satisfying and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to create that classic creamy and garlicky flavor we all crave. Grab fresh shrimp if you can—they really make all the difference—and make sure you have your spices ready to infuse the sauce with warmth. Fresh herbs at the end elevate the dish, so don’t skip those!

Large Argentinian Shrimp: Peeled and dried for a perfect sear and texture.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overpowering the garlic.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh is best—minced finely to spread that garlicky goodness evenly.
Tomato Sauce: Gives the sauce a hint of acidity and depth.
Heavy Cream: For that ultra creamy texture that coats every strand of linguine.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped, to brighten the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.
Linguine Pasta: The ideal shape for holding the luscious sauce.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, the simplest but essential seasoning duo.
Parmesan (Optional): Grated on top adds a wonderful savory finishing touch.
Fresh Basil (Optional): For aromatic flavor and color contrast.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, red paprika, smoked paprika, and dried oregano lend smokiness and complexity.
Shrimp Marinade: Lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, red and smoked paprika, and dried oregano for that burst of flavor right inside the shrimp.

Variations

I love to tweak this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to personalize it—you can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite flavors to make it your own.

Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes turns up the heat just the way I like it on chilly evenings.
Dairy-Free Version: I’ve tried substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a luscious, dairy-free twist that still tastes amazing.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrients.
Shellfish Swap: If shrimp isn’t your favorite, I’ve swapped in scallops or even chunks of fresh white fish with great success.

How to Make Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

Start by combining lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, and dried oregano in a bowl. Toss in the peeled, dried shrimp and let them soak up those bold flavors for at least 15 minutes. I usually prep this while my pasta water is heating up—the marinade really makes the shrimp stand out, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Cook the Linguine Until Al Dente

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your linguine for about 8-10 minutes or until just al dente. Remember to save about a cup of the pasta water before draining—that starchy water can rescue your sauce if it feels too thick later. I can’t tell you how many times that little trick has saved my dinner!

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Butter

Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—to avoid burning. The smell fills the kitchen and is honestly one of my favorite parts about making this recipe.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

Add the marinated shrimp into the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl up. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly and can get rubbery if overdone. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set aside to avoid overcooking while you finish the sauce.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Garlic Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Add garlic powder, red paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld. If it gets too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Toss Pasta and Shrimp Together

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add your drained linguine. Toss everything together so the pasta gets beautifully coated in that creamy sauce. I like to finish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor right here.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe

Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always sprinkle this dish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous layer of grated Parmesan to add depth and nuttiness. Sometimes, I add torn fresh basil leaves right before serving—it adds a lovely herbaceous aroma that brightens the whole dish. A quick drizzle of good olive oil on top never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

This creamy shrimp linguine pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty garlic bread to scoop up extra sauce. When I’m feeling indulgent, I serve it alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans. These sides add freshness and crunch that balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnished each portion with a lemon wedge and a sprig of parsley. It instantly makes the dish feel elegant and inviting. You could also serve it family-style in a big serving dish for a relaxed, shareable vibe—family and friends love helping themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover creamy shrimp linguine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp can get a little firmer after refrigeration, so I recommend eating leftovers sooner rather than later for the best texture. Storing the sauce and pasta together works well, but be gentle when reheating!

Freezing

Freezing this particular creamy shrimp linguine is possible but not my favorite, since the cream sauce sometimes separates after thawing. If you want to freeze it, I suggest freezing the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta, then thawing and combining them gently before serving. It takes a bit more effort but preserves the flavors better.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the linguine gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back that silky sauce texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Stirring frequently helps everything heat evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating and cooking. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp sear nicely instead of steaming, which is key to getting that beautiful texture and flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Linguine is traditional and works wonderfully because its shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne could be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

You can swap the shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to keep things creamy. Using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan keeps the dish vegan-friendly while maintaining savory depth.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?

Simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling it once the cream is added. Stir frequently and add cream slowly to tempered tomato sauce. If you notice any separation, turning the heat down and stirring gently often helps bring the sauce back together.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Recipe is one of those dishes that always brings smiles to the table. I love how approachable it is without feeling basic—the flavors are layered, comforting, and a little fancy all at once. Give it a try the next time you want to treat yourself or impress friends with minimal fuss. I’m pretty sure you’re going to keep this one in your weekly rotation just like I do!