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Creamy Shrimp Linguine: The Ultimate Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

This Creamy Shrimp Linguine recipe is a delightful pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon zest and juice, it’s an incredibly flavorful and elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound linguine pasta

Shrimp and Aromatics

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp and Aromatics: Peel and devein the shrimp, then rinse and pat dry. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mince the garlic, chop the fresh parsley, and zest and juice the lemon. Set these ingredients aside for later use.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the linguine and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Shrimp Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: To the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces slightly, concentrating the flavors.
  6. Add Heavy Cream & Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a velvety consistency.
  7. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  8. Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice to brighten the sauce with subtle citrus notes.
  9. Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired to balance and enhance the flavors.
  10. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat all the pasta strands evenly in the creamy sauce.
  11. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Toss continuously until the sauce achieves a luscious, creamy texture that clings to the pasta.
  12. Add Shrimp Back: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine and warm them through.
  13. Finish with Fresh Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of color and fresh herb flavor.
  14. Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy shrimp linguine immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese, additional fresh parsley, and a lemon wedge on the side for an extra citrus burst.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a perfect creamy texture.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the rich cream sauce.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice gentle heat to the dish.
  • Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast, though the flavor will differ.

Keywords: creamy shrimp linguine, shrimp pasta, Italian pasta recipe, creamy pasta sauce, easy shrimp linguine, garlic shrimp pasta

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/creamy-shrimp-linguine-the-ultimate-pasta-recipe/