Name: Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400 g Large Argentinian Shrimp (peeled and dried); 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1/2 Juice from Lemon; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Red Paprika Powder; 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Powder; 1 tsp Dried Oregano; 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter; 4 Garlic Cloves (minced); 200 ml Tomato Sauce; 500 ml Heavy Cream; Salt & Pepper (to taste); 300 g Linguine Pasta; Fresh Parsley (chopped); Parmesan (optional, grated); Fresh Basil (optional)

If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s both effortlessly delicious and comforting, then you’ve just found it with this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic and Tomato Sauce Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked linguine twirling through a luscious, velvety sauce made with garlic, tomato, and cream, studded with tender, flavorful shrimp that practically melt in your mouth. This recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients in a way that feels indulgent but comes together easily enough for a weeknight meal. It’s vibrant, creamy, and packed with just the right amount of garlic and spice to keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with a blue handle holds about fifteen cooked shrimp pieces arranged loosely with some space between them. Each shrimp is curled, showing a pinkish-orange color with darker seasoning specks covering their surface. The shrimp lie in a shallow pool of golden-brown butter or oil, which has small bits of seasoning floating in it. The pan is on a white marbled surface. The shrimp look shiny and well cooked with a slight crisp on the edges photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this delightful dinner, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role: from the juicy shrimp adding a burst of seafood flavor, to the garlic and spices building a savory foundation, and the creamy tomato sauce that brings everything together in perfect harmony.

400 g Large Argentinian Shrimp: Peeled and dried shrimp ensure no extra moisture dilutes the sauce, giving each bite a satisfying seafood sweetness.
3 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bring out the garlic’s aroma perfectly when sautéed.
4 Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is the soul of this dish — it delivers that irresistible punch of flavor.
200 ml Tomato Sauce: Provides the bright, tangy base that balances the creaminess beautifully.
500 ml Heavy Cream: Luxuriously creamy, it smooths out the tomato sauce and makes everything so indulgent.
Fresh Parsley (chopped): Adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes at the end.
300 g Linguine Pasta: The perfect pasta shape for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): To season and enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
Parmesan (optional, grated): For an extra layer of delicious umami if you’re feeling cheesy.
Fresh Basil (optional): A lovely fragrant herb to garnish for a fresh twist.
1 tsp Garlic Powder: Boosts the garlic flavor deep in the shrimp marinade.
1 tsp Red Paprika Powder: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky kick.
1 tsp Smoked Paprika Powder: Enhances the smoky aroma that complements the shrimp beautifully.
1 tsp Dried Oregano: Brings an earthy, Mediterranean note that ties the dish together.
1/2 Juice from Lemon: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that livens up the shrimp perfectly.
1 tbsp Olive Oil: Helps coat the shrimp in the marinade and adds a fruity richness during cooking.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic and Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by giving your shrimp a flavor boost that makes all the difference. In a bowl, combine the peeled, dried shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, red paprika, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Toss everything until the shrimp are evenly coated with this aromatic blend. This simple step infuses the shrimp with layers of seasoning that play off the creamy sauce perfectly later on.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned shrimp and sear them for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn that gorgeous pink color and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside—don’t worry, the full flavor will develop once they go back into the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Using the same skillet to keep all those delicious shrimp flavors, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it’s golden and fragrant, which releases its sweet, nutty aroma that’s essential for that classic garlic and tomato sauce base.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste — this is where the magic really comes together.

Step 5: Cook the Linguine

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained linguine to the skillet with shrimp and sauce, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything through thoroughly until the pasta is beautifully coated in the creamy, garlicky tomato sauce. This step ensures the sauce clings perfectly to every strand of linguine.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic and Tomato Sauce Recipe

The image shows a creamy orange sauce in a pot with several lightly browned shrimp cooking in it, with a woman's hand holding tongs lifting one shrimp. The sauce has a smooth texture with small specks of seasoning visible. In the second image, the dish is served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The bowl contains thick, creamy pasta coated in the same orange sauce, topped with a single shrimp that is golden and slightly charred, and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your dish with some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil is a fantastic way to add freshness and a pop of color. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty depth that complements the creaminess beautifully.

Side Dishes

This shrimp linguine pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple side of garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Light steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make a perfect accompaniment to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, serve your shrimp linguine in elegant pasta bowls, and garnish with a lemon wedge for a citrusy touch. You can also elevate the presentation by adding some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added texture and flavor contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because this dish is creamy, it’s best eaten fresh or soon after cooking to enjoy optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic and Tomato Sauce Recipe because the cream sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, you can freeze cooked shrimp separately if needed and add fresh sauce when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid extra moisture in the sauce.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich and creamy. Coconut milk is an option for a dairy-free twist but will alter the flavor slightly.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply swap out traditional linguine for a gluten-free pasta of your choice, and follow the recipe exactly as written.

How spicy is the recipe? Can I make it less spicy?

The spice level is mild, mainly from paprika. If you want to reduce the heat, use only sweet paprika and skip the smoked paprika, or adjust the amounts to your taste.

What wine pairs well with Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic and Tomato Sauce Recipe?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy texture and bright shrimp flavors wonderfully, making your meal even more delightful.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic and Tomato Sauce Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that balances rich, creamy indulgence with fresh, vibrant seafood flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Dive in and enjoy the comforting hug of garlicky tomato cream sauce wrapped around tender shrimp and linguine—you won’t regret it!