Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine is an elegant yet surprisingly simple dish that transforms pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal in about 20 minutes. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for a romantic date night, a special family dinner, or a quick, impressive weeknight meal.
Here is a master recipe that combines the best techniques and flavor tips from the search results.
🛒 Ingredients
Main Components
· Shrimp: 1 pound (450g), raw, large (21/30 count), peeled & deveined.
· Pasta: 8 ounces (225g) dried linguine.
· Cream Base: 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or double cream.
· Aromatics: 4-5 cloves garlic, minced.
· Cheese: ½ cup (40g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
· Fats: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil.
· Fresh: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Seasonings
· Salt and ground black pepper to taste.
· 1 teaspoon Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or smoked paprika.
· ½ teaspoon each garlic powder and Italian seasoning (optional).
The Secret Ingredient: 1 cup reserved starchy pasta cooking water.
📖 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow this sequence for perfect timing and texture:
1. Cook the Pasta & Prep
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente. Before draining, carefully scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside, then drain the pasta.
2. Cook the Shrimp
· Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
· Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your chosen seasoning (Old Bay, paprika, etc.).
· In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding) and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
· Remove shrimp to a plate immediately to prevent overcooking.
3. Build the Cream Sauce
· In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
· Pour in the heavy cream and use a spatula to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the shrimp.
· Let the cream simmer gently for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
4. Combine & Finish
· Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs, toss vigorously to coat.
· Add the reserved pasta water, a few splashes at a time, until the sauce reaches a silky, clinging consistency.
· Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine and reheat.
· Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
🧑🍳 Pro Tips for Success
To elevate your dish, keep these chef-recommended pointers in mind:
· Shrimp Texture: Avoid pre-cooked shrimp as it becomes rubbery when reheated. For best results, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking.
· Sauce Consistency: The sauce may seem thin at first but will thicken perfectly after you add the pasta and starchy water. Use freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
· Flavor Variations: Add a bright finish with lemon zest and juice. For a lighter sauce, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk mixed with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.
📊 Nutrition & Benefits
This dish is a satisfying source of protein and energy. The nutritional values are approximate per serving (recipe serves 4).
· Calories: ~550 kcal
· Protein: ~30g
· Essential for muscle repair, primarily from shrimp and Parmesan.
· Carbohydrates: ~45g
· The main energy source, from the linguine.
· Fats: ~30g
· Provides flavor and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the cream, butter, and olive oil.
Making it Lighter: For a healthier version, use the milk-and-cornstarch substitution for the cream, reduce the butter slightly, or use a whole-wheat or legume-based pasta for extra fiber.
🍽️ Who Loves This Dish?
This pasta is a universal crowd-pleaser:
· Date Night Couples: Feels indulgent and romantic without requiring advanced culinary skills.
· Busy Families: Ready in under 30 minutes, and the creamy, familiar flavors are usually a hit with both kids and adults.
· Home Cooks Entertaining Guests: It’s an impressive, restaurant-style dish that allows you to spend time with guests rather than in the kitchen.
💡 Conclusion & Final Tips
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine demonstrates that luxurious meals don’t require complex techniques. The key takeaways for mastering it are: reserve your pasta water, cook shrimp quickly in batches, and use the highest quality Parmesan you can find.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy sauce.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish. If you’d like, I can also suggest perfect side dishes like a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables to complete your meal.
