Name: Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 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 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 4 Garlic Cloves, minced; 200 ml Tomato Sauce; 500 ml Heavy Cream; Fresh Parsley, chopped; 300 g Linguine Pasta; Salt & Pepper, to taste; Parmesan, grated (optional); Fresh Basil (optional); Seasonings:; 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 craving a dish that’s both elegant and effortless, this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe is exactly what you need. I love how the rich creaminess balances perfectly with the garlicky, smoky shrimp—it’s like a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. It’s been a go-to for those weeknights when I want something impressive but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe stand out is the beautiful layering of flavors—those delicious Argentinian shrimp marinated with paprika and oregano, combined with a luscious tomato-cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe turns simple ingredients into pure comfort food that everyone will ask for again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a special role to build that creamy, garlicky goodness with a hint of smoky spice. Grab fresh shrimp if you can—it really makes a difference in texture and flavor!

Large Argentinian Shrimp: Peeled and dried shrimp soak up the marinade beautifully, giving you tender, flavorful bites every time.
Unsalted Butter: I use unsalted to control saltiness, but either works; it adds that silky richness to the sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is a must here. It’s the star that makes this linguine sing.
Tomato Sauce: Adds a subtle acidity and depth; opt for a good-quality one with no added sugar for the best results.
Heavy Cream: This creates that luxe, velvety texture that makes the sauce so irresistible.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end, it lifts the entire dish with some fresh, herbal brightness.
Linguine Pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto that creamy sauce without overpowering the shrimp.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors to your liking—always season thoughtfully!
Parmesan: Totally optional but a sprinkle on top adds an umami kick that’s hard to resist.
Fresh Basil: Another optional topper that pairs beautifully with the tomato and garlic notes.
Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Red Paprika, Smoked Paprika, Dried Oregano): These create an irresistible smoky, aromatic profile that complements the creamy sauce and shrimp perfectly.
Shrimp Marinade Ingredients (Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Red Paprika, Smoked Paprika, Dried Oregano): Marinating the shrimp infuses them with vibrant flavor and keeps them juicy when cooked.

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak seasonings or swap ingredients depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Spicy Kick: I like adding a pinch of red chili flakes when I want a bit of heat—just be careful if you’re serving guests who prefer mild flavors.
Gluten-Free Pasta: I’ve swapped linguine for gluten-free alternatives with great success; just watch the cooking time so the noodles don’t get mushy.
Herb Variations: Sometimes I toss in fresh thyme or tarragon instead of oregano for a slightly different aromatic touch.
Dairy-Free Twist: Use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream—while the flavor shifts a bit, it’s still satisfyingly creamy.
Swap the Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, scallops or chunks of cooked chicken work well using the same sauce method.

How to Make Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing the shrimp marinade ingredients: lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, red and smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Toss your peeled and dried shrimp in this mixture and let them sit for about 15–20 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak up all those wonderful spices and keeps them juicy once cooked—trust me, skipping this step is like missing half the fun!

Step 2: Cook the Linguine Perfectly

Boil your linguine in salted water until just al dente (about 9 minutes, depending on the brand). Don’t overcook because it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce. Save about a cup of pasta water before draining—you might need it to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté Shrimp and Build the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute or two—don’t let it burn! Toss in the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Into the same pan, pour the tomato sauce followed by the heavy cream. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes so everything melds together. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp to the pan along with the cooked linguine. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Let it warm through for a minute, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. The aroma here is irresistible—I love this moment!

How to Serve Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe

Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually go for a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley—it adds a lovely salty, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. Sometimes I throw on a few torn basil leaves if I have them handy. These simple touches really elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly, balancing the meal with brightness and crunch. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs wonderfully, soaking up any leftover sauce (because who wants to waste that deliciousness?).

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this dish in shallow bowls, topped with a lemon wedge and a drizzle of olive oil. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as garnish also makes it look extra fancy with minimal effort—perfect for impressing guests without the stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta and sauce keep well, but shrimp can get a bit rubbery if stored too long, so try to enjoy it sooner rather than later.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times when I made extra, but the texture of the shrimp softens after freezing. If you freeze it, I recommend using it within a month and reheating gently to preserve creaminess as much as possible.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on low heat in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. This brings back the creamy texture without overcooking the shrimp further. Microwave works too, but do it in short intervals to avoid rubbery shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and cooking. Excess moisture can prevent proper browning and make the sauce watery.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will still work fine. You might lose a bit of that smoky flavor, so adding a tiny pinch of cumin or a drop of liquid smoke can compensate well.
Is this recipe very spicy?

Not at all—this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe is mild with a smoky warmth. If you want more heat, you can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the tomato-cream sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?

Linguine is ideal because its shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly. But fettuccine or spaghetti work well too if that’s what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine Recipe (with Garlic) Recipe is one of those meals I always fall back on when I want to impress without stress. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet surprisingly quick to pull together. I can’t recommend it enough—grab those fresh shrimp and garlic, and let this linguine dish bring a bit of restaurant magic right to your kitchen table.