Best-Buy-Inspired Creamy Shrimp Pasta
A rich and indulgent pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp and a velvety cream sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner. This italian-american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs linguine pasta, medium shrimp, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb medium shrimp
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir until warmed through. Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped parsley, then cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding 1/4 cup pasta water as needed to bind the mixture. Fold in the cooked shrimp and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Buy-Inspired Creamy Shrimp Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Best-Buy-Inspired Creamy Shrimp Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep linguine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Buy-Inspired Creamy Shrimp Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best-Buy-Inspired Creamy Shrimp Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Best-Buy-Inspired Creamy Shrimp Pasta?
Italian-American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to pasta dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
