There’s something truly special about a good shrimp linguine recipe—so much so that it’s become a staple in my home kitchen and an absolute family favorite. I remember the first time I tried my hand at a shrimp linguine recipe; I was juggling dinner prep with two little ones underfoot, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if the flavors would come together or if I’d just end up with a garlicky mess. But when the cream sauce shrimp linguine finally came together, with the aroma of garlic and lemon filling the kitchen, it felt like a small victory—and one that I’ve returned to again and again since.
This shrimp linguine recipe is a perfect fit for busy family nights because it’s quick, comforting, and feels a little fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen. I love how the garlic butter shrimp pasta base brings out the ocean’s freshness while still having that indulgent creaminess that everyone adores. It’s actually a recipe my sister first shared with me, her own “easy shrimp linguine” version that she grabbed from a little Italian place during a trip, and then I adjusted it for our family’s tastes.
I won’t lie, I’ve had my share of cooking struggles trying to perfect this seafood linguine recipe—the shrimp overcooked, the sauce was too thick, or the balance between lemon and cream wasn’t quite right. But that’s all part of the journey, isn’t it? Those aha moments helped me tailor this shrimp pasta with lemon just right, achieving the perfect harmony of flavors without overwhelming the dish. And given how often I make it, this shrimp linguine recipe just might be my go-to “rescue” meal when the week gets hectic.
What I love is how adaptable this shrimp linguine recipe is. Whether I’m using fresh shrimp from the market or handy frozen ones, swapping a bit of cream for broth to lighten it up, or tossing in a handful of spinach for a pop of green, it always turns out delicious. It’s like that dependable friend who’s always there for you—just a few ingredients and some simple steps, and you’ve got a fantastic dinner. Don’t get me started on the leftovers either; reheated shrimp pasta with lemon is just as lovely the second day, perfect for those “on-the-go” lunches.
If you’re ready to dive into a shrimp linguine recipe that’s as approachable as it is mouthwatering, grab your skillet and let’s get cooking together. And if you want to see how I dress up my creamy garlic shrimp pasta differently, this creamy garlic shrimp recipe over mashed potatoes is a family-loved twist that’s equally easy and tempting!

What You’ll Need for This shrimp linguine recipe
To get started on this shrimp linguine recipe, having the right ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s my trusted list — straight from my kitchen to yours:
- 12 oz linguine pasta (I always choose durum wheat for sturdiness in this shrimp linguine recipe)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh is best, but frozen works great in a pinch)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (because this garlic butter shrimp pasta just has to be buttery!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (I’m not shy with garlic for that punch in the cream sauce shrimp linguine)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half if you want slightly lighter cream sauce shrimp linguine)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (adds that nutty finish everyone craves)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (the lemon juice brightens up the shrimp pasta with lemon perfectly)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat in your seafood linguine recipe)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
When buying shrimp for this shrimp linguine recipe, look for wild-caught if your budget allows—it just tastes sweeter and fresher. Frozen shrimp work fine, just thaw them under cold running water to speed things along. You can find all these easy shrimp linguine staples at your local grocery or seafood market. Here’s a little kitchen wisdom: peeling shrimp yourself saves money but takes more time, so for busy nights, buying pre-peeled saves you that prep stress.
And speaking of shortcuts, I like to mince my garlic ahead and store it in a small jar in the fridge for quick meals like this easy shrimp linguine. Also, prepping the lemon zest and juice in advance can keep your cooking flow smooth and fast. When you’re shopping for cream sauce shrimp linguine ingredients, keep an eye out for sales on Parmesan and butter—you can stash those in the freezer to grab for future dishes.
Leftover ingredients like butter or cream can be stored tightly covered in the fridge for up to a week, ready for your next seafood linguine recipe adventure. Fresh herbs, when added, bring a lovely aroma and freshness too, but since I keep things simple with my shrimp linguine recipe, I often skip them during the week to save time.
For those curious about ingredient tips and to see a tasty twist on cream sauce shrimp linguine, check out Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce by One Sweet Mess—her ingredient insights really deepen your shrimp linguine recipe game.
Let’s Make This shrimp linguine recipe Together
Ready to roll up your sleeves? This shrimp linguine recipe is surprisingly straightforward—don’t worry if you’re not an expert yet, with a few little pointers, you’ll nail it every time.
1. Cook the linguine: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your linguine and cook it according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 9-11 minutes in my kitchen. Don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining—that starchy water is gold for the shrimp linguine recipe sauce!
2. Prep your shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it; this is key in a garlic butter shrimp pasta that tastes balanced and fresh.
3. Cook the shrimp: Toss in your shrimp seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook them 2 minutes on one side, then flip until pink and opaque, around another 1-2 minutes. Overcooking shrimp is a common slip I made early on with this shrimp linguine recipe, so I keep a close eye here. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set aside.
4. Make the cream sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring gently as it simmers. Add lemon zest and a sprinkle of Parmesan to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Combine it all: Toss the cooked linguine and shrimp into the cream sauce. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it to a creamy consistency. Season with more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
6. Serve it up: Give it a final stir, then dish out your shrimp linguine recipe onto plates. The aroma now? Garlicky, buttery, with just a hint of fresh lemon—a sensory hug!
While cooking this easy shrimp linguine, I often sneak bites of leftover sauce—it’s dangerously good. And if you want to see a different cream sauce shrimp linguine touch, this creamy lemon garlic shrimp pasta brings in a lovely balanced lemony tang to try.
Remember, shrimp linguine recipe times may vary, but this entire dish usually takes me around 25-30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for weeknights.
How I Love to Serve This shrimp linguine recipe
One of my favorite things about this shrimp linguine recipe is watching my family’s faces light up when they see it on the table. My boys particularly love when I pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—something light to cut through the creamy richness of the garlic butter shrimp pasta.
If I’m feeling extra festive or serving guests, I’ll add crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top for texture—my little secret trick! We also find that this shrimp pasta with lemon pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus or a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that cream sauce shrimp linguine magic.
This recipe really shines for special dinners where I want something that feels a bit indulgent but is also quick and relatively fuss-free. I’ve made it for Valentine’s Day dinner, family birthday meals, and even casual weekend lunches. Friends often ask for this seafood linguine recipe, and I don’t mind sharing because it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Leftover shrimp linguine recipe? No problem! I usually toss it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil to revive the pasta and shrimp flavors. Sometimes I stir in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes to add brightness and make it feel new again. And speaking of sides and ideas, here’s a favorite Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta recipe from Pinch and Swirl that’s fantastic for inspiration if you want a lighter take on shrimp linguine recipe for a sunny day meal.
Presentation-wise, a little fresh parsley or basil on top gives shrimp linguine recipe plates a pop of green that looks inviting and adds a fresh herbal note.
Your shrimp linguine recipe Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this shrimp linguine recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! I usually cook everything but mix it fully just before serving to keep that fresh flavor. If you do prepare it completely, store in an airtight container and gently reheat with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the sauce silkiness.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid overcooked shrimp in this shrimp linguine recipe?
Great question! I learned the hard way that shrimp cook very quickly, so once they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, remove immediately. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery and tough, and nobody wants that in their garlic butter shrimp pasta.
Q: Can I substitute the cream for a lighter option?
Yes! I sometimes use half-and-half, or even a mix of broth and cream for a lighter but still tasty cream sauce shrimp linguine. Just remember, less cream means less thickness, so adjust your Parmesan accordingly to maintain that dreamy texture.
Q: How do I store leftover shrimp linguine recipe?
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the shrimp.
Q: Can I add veggies to this seafood linguine recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini ribbons, or asparagus pair beautifully and add color and nutrition without changing the dish’s integrity.
Q: What wine pairs well with shrimp linguine recipe?
A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemon and cream sauce wonderfully—it’s a favorite pairing in my family’s dinner parties!
Q: My sauce sometimes splits; any tips for a perfect cream sauce shrimp linguine?
This can happen if the heat’s too high or if you add cream too quickly. I always keep the heat medium-low and stir gently. Adding pasta water little by little helps keep everything smooth and rich.
If you want to troubleshoot techniques or try a different lemon twist, check out Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta from Simply Delicious—their tips helped me refine my shrimp linguine recipe sauce.
My Final Thoughts on This shrimp linguine recipe
This shrimp linguine recipe will always have a special place on my kitchen table and in my heart because it’s more than just a dish—it’s a collection of warm memories, simple joys, and family laughter. It’s proof that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Shrimp linguine recipe pro tips:
- Use high-quality shrimp: Fresh or well-thawed frozen shrimp make all the difference.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Watch timing carefully for that perfect tenderness.
- Reserve pasta water: It’s magical for tweaking your sauce consistency and melding flavors together nicely.
I’ve experimented with a few variations too—sometimes swapping cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free seafood linguine recipe twist, or adding fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair. My husband loves it classic and creamy, while my kids prefer it with just garlic butter shrimp pasta, no lemon zing.
I hope this shrimp linguine recipe inspires you to bring a little Italian seaside warmth to your own kitchen. Give it a try, adapt it to your taste, and share it with your loved ones—it’s meant to be savored and shared. For a comforting family-friendly meal that quickly becomes a favorite, this easy shrimp linguine recipe is your new best friend.
And if you crave more cozy seafood dishes to try, don’t miss my creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes—another delicious crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for those cool evenings when comfort is king.

Happy cooking, friend! Let this shrimp linguine recipe fill your home with love and incredible flavors.
If you want more family-friendly cooking stories and recipes, swing by Delilita anytime!
shrimp linguine recipe
This shrimp linguine recipe combines succulent shrimp with al dente pasta in a light garlic and white wine sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful Italian dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine well.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot, optionally topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end of cooking. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

