If you’re craving a dish that feels like a big warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta Recipe. This luscious, rich pasta meal marries tender shrimp sautéed in fragrant garlic butter with a vibrant tomato sauce that’s been elevated with just the right touch of creaminess. The combination of silky linguini, aromatic herbs, and a hint of parmesan cheese makes every forkful an irresistible delight. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe hits all the notes for flavor, texture, and sheer comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a silver pan on a white marbled surface, filled with shrimp cooking over a layer of small chopped onions. The shrimp are light pink with some parts still white, showing signs of light cooking with slight browning on some edges. The onions underneath are soft and pale yellow, spread evenly to cover the pan bottom. The pan has a shiny metallic texture with some brown spots from cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color — from the luscious butter that sautés the garlic and onions to the fresh parsley that adds a pop of brightness at the end.

10 ounces linguini (dry weight): A perfect pasta base that soaks up the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to transparency.
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil): The foundation for cooking, imparting richness and that buttery garlic aroma.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for a punch of warm, fragrant flavor that complements the shrimp.
1 pound raw jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and succulent when cooked just right.
2 teaspoons dried basil: Provides earthy herbaceous notes that blend perfectly with the tomato sauce.
1 teaspoon salt (divided): Balances and elevates all flavors without overpowering.
3 cups passata (or marinara sauce): Creates a vibrant, fresh tomato base full of tang and sweetness.
1/2 chicken bullion cube (crushed) or 1 teaspoon stock powder: Adds savory depth and umami to the sauce.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Sprinkled in to brighten the dish and add a fresh herbal note.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided): Provides subtle heat and complexity.
1 pinch granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a harmonious sauce.
2/3 cup milk (or half and half or heavy cream): Creates the indulgent creamy texture that makes this sauce so memorable.
1 handful parmesan cheese (grated, to serve): Finishing touch that melts slightly on top, adding salty richness.
1 pinch fresh parsley (to serve): For that final burst of color and freshness on your plate.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your linguini until it’s al dente — that perfect tender-but-still-firm texture that everyone loves. Cooking the pasta just right ensures it holds up well against the luscious sauce and shrimp, creating a wonderful bite every time. Once done, drain it and keep it warm while you prepare your sumptuous sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Shrimp

In a large pan over medium heat, melt your butter and gently fry the diced onion until it becomes translucent and tender, releasing its natural sweetness. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté just briefly until fragrant — do not let it brown or burn because that can make the dish bitter. Next, add your prawns, sprinkle in the dried basil and half the salt, and cook the shrimp for about two minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another minute until they’re pink and just cooked through. This step builds the savory, garlicky foundation for the dish and ensures your shrimp stay juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the passata (or marinara sauce), add the crushed chicken bullion, fresh parsley, black pepper, a pinch of sugar to mellow the tomatoes, and the remaining salt. Let this mixture heat through for a minute, letting all those flavors mingle and develop beautifully. Once warmed, stir in the milk or chosen cream — this is where the sauce transforms into the rich, velvety goodness that defines this Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta Recipe. Cook for another minute, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat your shrimp perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, toss your cooked linguini into the creamy shrimp sauce. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so that every strand of pasta is enveloped in that gorgeous creamy tomato garlic butter essence. Give it a taste and add extra salt if you feel it needs it. This step ties the whole dish together, making sure the sauce and pasta become one harmonious, delightful experience.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta Recipe

This close-up photo shows a pile of spaghetti mixed with shrimp, all coated in a reddish-orange sauce. The spaghetti noodles are long and thick, winding through the dish in a messy pile. The shrimp pieces are plump, curved, and slightly shiny, scattered evenly throughout the dish. A silver tong lifts a bundle of the spaghetti, showing the sauce clinging to the noodles. The background is out of focus and dark, contrasting with the warm colors of the food. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of chopped fresh parsley can elevate the dish instantly. The parmesan melts slightly on the warm pasta, lending a salty, nutty flavor, while the parsley adds a fresh splash of green and a mild herbal brightness. These finishing touches are the secret to turning something delicious into something truly unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterbalance. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also work beautifully, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce left on your plate. If you want to keep things light, steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make a lovely complement without stealing focus from your star dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, plate the pasta with the shrimp arranged neatly on top and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few basil leaves for added flair. You can also serve the sauce separately as a dipping option. Using a shallow white bowl lets the vibrant red sauce and pink shrimp pop visually, making the dish as stunning to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which doesn’t usually happen with this recipe), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will deepen overnight, but the shrimp can become tougher if kept too long, so aim to enjoy them within this window.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal for shrimp dishes with cream-based sauces. The texture of the shrimp may change, and the sauce might separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so quickly after cooking and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator rather than using a microwave to preserve the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta and shrimp mixture in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp. You can add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry to remove excess moisture, and adjust cooking time slightly since frozen shrimp tend to release water as they cook.

What can I substitute for passata if I don’t have any?

You can use marinara sauce or even canned crushed tomatoes as alternatives. Just keep in mind that marinara might be a bit chunkier and seasoned differently, so adjust the salt and herbs accordingly.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?

Yes! You can swap the milk or cream for coconut milk or a cashew cream to keep it dairy-free. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get a lovely creamy texture.

Can I use other types of pasta with this recipe?

Definitely. While linguini works beautifully, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne are excellent choices and will soak up the sauce just as well.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

The key is cooking shrimp quickly and just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is what makes them tough, so keep an eye on color and texture and remove them from heat promptly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. It’s packed with bold flavors, comforting textures, and the kind of home-cooked warmth that invites you to savor every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a go-to favorite in your kitchen — delicious dinner nights are just a few steps away!

Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta Recipe