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Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Made Easy

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A quick and easy creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta with cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. This comforting dish combines tender shrimp, a rich garlicky sauce, and fresh tomatoes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • 1 pound (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium size works best)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1.5-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan gradually until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  6. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften but still hold shape.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss gently to coat in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Turn off heat. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter for extra silkiness. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Use fresh garlic and sauté gently to prevent bitterness. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Stir in cold butter off the heat for a silky sauce finish. Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water if sauce thickens.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, creamy pasta, cherry tomatoes, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/quick-creamy-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-made-easy/