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To make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine, you need the following ingredients: - 8 oz linguine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy dish. The linguine serves as a perfect base, while the large shrimp add a sweet flavor and a nice texture. The unsalted butter and garlic create a fragrant sauce. Heavy cream gives the dish its creaminess, and cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst. Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat, balancing the richness. Parmesan cheese contributes a salty, nutty flavor. Fresh parsley and lemon zest brighten the dish and make it look beautiful on the plate. When shopping, choose high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor of your dish. If you can, buy local or sustainable shrimp. Fresh herbs like parsley make a big difference in taste. Get ready to impress your family or friends with this simple yet elegant dish! To cook the linguine, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine. Cook it according to the package's time. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a bite. After cooking, drain the pasta but keep about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the shrimp. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and keep them warm. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Let it melt, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Watch closely to avoid burning, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. The goal is to release the garlic's aroma. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained linguine next. Toss everything together until the shrimp and pasta are mixed well. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water. This helps create a nice, creamy texture. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Mix well until the cheese melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. To serve, place the linguine in bowls or on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds color and a fresh flavor to your dish. Enjoy your creamy garlic butter shrimp linguine! - How to achieve the best pasta texture: To get the best texture, cook the linguine until it is al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. Always use salted water for boiling. This adds flavor to the pasta. After cooking, save some of the pasta water. It helps adjust the sauce later. - Timing the shrimp cooking perfectly: Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when done. Don’t walk away; overcooked shrimp can become tough. You want them juicy and tender. - Suggestions for adding herbs or spices: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can boost flavor. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking for a fresh taste. For more heat, consider using cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Adjust to your spice level. - Cheese alternatives for variations: While Parmesan cheese is classic, you can try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. For a creamier texture, use mascarpone cheese. This will change the dish's profile while keeping it rich. - Overcooking shrimp: Be careful not to cook shrimp too long. Monitor their color change closely. Once they are pink and opaque, remove them from heat. - Inadequate seasoning checks: Always taste your sauce before serving. Sometimes, it may need more salt or pepper. Adjust according to your taste. A well-seasoned dish makes all the difference. {{image_4}} You can change a few ingredients without losing flavor. - Alternative pasta types: You can swap linguine for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Each type gives a unique bite and texture. - Seafood substitutes for shrimp: If shrimp isn't your favorite, use scallops, chicken, or even firm tofu for a tasty twist. Adjusting this dish for dietary needs is simple. - Making it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta. There are great options made from rice or chickpeas. They cook well and taste good too. - Vegan version of the dish: Replace shrimp with mushrooms or jackfruit. Use vegan butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can mix flavors to keep things exciting. - Adding different sauces or vegetables: Stir in pesto or Alfredo sauce for a new taste. Toss in spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrients. - Exploring global twists on the recipe: Add a dash of soy sauce for an Asian flair or some curry powder for a fun Indian twist. These variations will keep your creamy garlic butter shrimp linguine fresh and fun every time you make it! To keep your creamy garlic butter shrimp linguine fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in flavor and moisture. This dish stays good for up to three days. Before refrigerating, let the pasta cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside the container. When reheating, I suggest using the stove. This method helps keep the creaminess intact. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta feels dry. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring often. This avoids overcooking the shrimp. Cook just until everything is warm. You can freeze this dish, but the texture may change. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove, adding some liquid to restore creaminess. This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. So, the total time is around 25 minutes. You can enjoy a delicious meal quickly! Yes, you can prep some parts ahead. Cook the pasta and shrimp in advance. Store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat them in the sauce. This saves time on busy days. You can pair this dish with garlic bread or a fresh salad. A crisp white wine complements the flavors nicely too. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a perfect match. To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook them just until they turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough. Always remove them from heat as soon as they are done. Yes, you can use other pasta types like fettuccine or spaghetti. Gluten-free options like brown rice pasta work well too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. You learned how to create a tasty and creamy garlic butter shrimp linguine. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember, the right timing and seasoning make all the difference. Feel free to explore variations like gluten-free or different seafood. Don't forget to store any leftovers properly to enjoy later. Now, you can impress anyone with this simple, yet delicious dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine

Savor the rich flavors of this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, tangy cherry tomatoes, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t miss out—click through for the full recipe and elevate your pasta game tonight! #ShrimpLinguine #GarlicButter #PastaRecipes #SeafoodLovers
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Ingredients
  

8 oz linguine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta but reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water and set it aside.

    Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the shrimp. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. After cooking, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, to prevent bitterness.

        Incorporate Cream and Tomatoes: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

          Mix Everything Together: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained linguine. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta and shrimp are coated with the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until you achieve your preferred consistency.

            Add Final Touches: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Mix well until the cheese has melted into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

              Plate and Serve: Serve the linguine immediately in bowls or on plates. Garnish with the freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and an added flavor boost.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4