Description
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce tossed with linguine pasta. With a perfect blend of Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese, it offers a savory and indulgent meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta or pasta of choice
Shrimp
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun or Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or oregano)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- About ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the linguine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat each shrimp evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 1 minute on each side until they are charred on the edges and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce has loosened. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss until fully coated. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best texture.
- Can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or your preferred pasta shape.
