Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter

The Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter is a luxurious yet simple seafood pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp, a silky tomato-cream sauce, and tender pasta tossed in aromatic garlic butter. It’s an irresistible blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors — the kind of meal that tastes straight out of a fine Italian restaurant but can be made easily in your own kitchen.

The sauce is infused with garlic, butter, and crushed tomatoes, then finished with a touch of cream and Parmesan cheese for that luscious texture that perfectly coats each strand of pasta. It’s comfort food elevated with seafood elegance — a dish that’s sure to impress family, guests, or even just yourself on a cozy night in.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s rich, flavorful, and so satisfying — without being too complicated. The combination of buttery shrimp, creamy tomato sauce, and pasta is pure harmony. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special date nights.

The garlic butter gives a comforting aroma, the shrimp add a juicy bite, and the creamy tomato sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s an elegant yet approachable meal that always makes me feel like I’m eating something special

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it offers restaurant-quality taste in less than 30 minutes. The balance of flavors — rich cream, tangy tomatoes, savory shrimp, and garlicky butter — is simply unbeatable. It’s also versatile: you can swap the shrimp for chicken or make it spicy with red pepper flakes.

Whether for a romantic dinner or a comforting solo meal, this pasta delivers flavor and satisfaction every time.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~540 kcal

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
• Salt for boiling water

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Boil the pasta.
2. Cook the shrimp in garlic butter until pink.
3. Make the creamy tomato sauce.
4. Combine everything and toss with Parmesan and herbs.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp

• In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce

• In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

• Add the cooked pasta and shrimp into the skillet with the sauce.
• Toss to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Simmer together for 2 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and an extra pinch of Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy tomato shrimp pasta hot, straight from the skillet, topped with:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• A drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook quickly and turn rubbery if left too long.
• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
• Reserve some pasta water — it helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a gourmet touch.

Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add extra chili flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
• Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken or scallops.
• Tomato-Free Version: Replace tomatoes with Alfredo sauce for a creamy garlic butter pasta.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month, though sauce texture may slightly change.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long — it can overcook the shrimp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or tongs
• Fine grater for Parmesan

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I substitute milk for cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken, simmer longer or add a bit of cream cheese.

Q3: What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the sauce beautifully.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan. It will still be rich and flavorful!

Q5: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

Conclusion

The Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Butter is a comfort dish that feels luxurious without requiring hours in the kitchen. The tender shrimp, garlicky butter, and creamy tomato sauce come together to create a deeply satisfying pasta that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether for a weeknight dinner, a romantic date, or a weekend indulgence, this dish delivers everything you crave — rich flavor, simple ingredients, and a touch of elegance.