The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine

There is something undeniably magical about the combination of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic cream sauce. This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine is the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight into a gourmet experience. It strikes the perfect balance between decadent comfort food and elegant fine dining, making it a versatile superstar for your recipe repertoire. Whether you are looking to impress a date or simply craving a hug in a bowl, this recipe delivers bold flavors and luxurious textures in every single bite.

Ingredients: Why Every Component Matters

To achieve a high-ranking recipe result, quality matters. Here is what you will need for the perfect pasta texture and balanced flavor profile:

• Linguine (1 lb): The flat, narrow shape provides more surface area for the creamy sauce to cling to.
• Large Shrimp (1.5 lbs): Peeled and deveined. Provides a sweet, briny protein that cooks in minutes.
• Heavy Cream (1.5 cups): The base of your luxurious sauce, providing essential silkiness.
• Fresh Garlic (6 cloves): The aromatic backbone, providing a pungent, savory depth.
• Shallots (2 medium): Offers a subtle complexity and sweetness that won’t overpower the shrimp.
• Dry White Wine (1/2 cup): Use Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc; the acidity cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Freshly grated for a salty, nutty finish and natural thickening.
• Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp): Used to sear shrimp and sauté aromatics for a rich, buttery mouthfeel.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle heat to wake up the palate.
• Fresh Parsley & Lemon: Added at the end for bright acidity and a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Sear the Shrimp: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp and sear for 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Melt remaining butter. Add minced shallots until translucent, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze: Pour in the white wine. Scrape up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan and reduce the liquid by half.
5. Build the Sauce: Lower heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
6. Toss and Emulsify: Add pasta and shrimp back to the pan. Toss vigorously, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a glossy consistency.
7. The Final Flourish: Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Season with extra black pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this decadent shrimp pasta with a crispy Caesar salad or garlic focaccia to soak up every drop of sauce. A chilled glass of the same dry white wine used in the sauce creates a harmonious meal.