1-First Step: Cook the Pasta Begin by boiling salted water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add 8 ounces of linguine pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later use in adjusting the sauce, then drain the pasta and set it aside. This step ensures your garlic shrimp pasta has the perfect texture that holds the sauce well.

2-Second Step: Prepare the Shrimp In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Add 1 pound of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of your chosen seasoning like smoked paprika. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, use frozen shrimp that’s been thawed first to prevent excess water. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes, and remove them from the pan to avoid overcooking work in batches if needed for even results in your creamy garlic shrimp pasta.

3-Third Step: Make the Sauce Using the same skillet, melt the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits for extra flavor. For a lighter version, you could swap heavy cream with half-and-half to suit diet-conscious preferences. Let it simmer gently while you stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce for about 1 minute. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

4-Fourth Step: Combine and Serve Add the drained linguine pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and stir gently to reheat them, which should take another minute or so. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your creamy garlic shrimp pasta immediately for the best taste and texture, and consider pairing it with a side like a simple salad for a complete meal.