If you are craving a luxurious seafood dinner that effortlessly blends rich flavors with comforting textures, then you are going to love this Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe. This dish combines succulent jumbo shrimp sautéed in fragrant garlic butter with a velvety tomato-based cream sauce that clings beautifully to linguini, creating a harmonious plateful that is both elegant and homey. Every bite bursts with savory depth from the fresh herbs and a touch of parmesan, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels like a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a silver pan on a white marbled surface, there is one main layer of cooked shrimp and small chopped onions. The shrimp are light pink with some slightly browned spots and have an orange tail. The onions are soft, pale yellow, and spread evenly under and around the shrimp. The pan shows brown bits on the bottom, indicating cooking marks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering straightforward but impactful ingredients is the key to pulling together this recipe with ease. Each element plays its part, whether it’s the silky butter bringing richness, the garlic packing flavor, or the passata lending vibrant color and acidity to balance the creaminess.

10 ounces linguini (dry weight): Choose any pasta you love, though linguini holds the sauce perfectly.
1 medium yellow onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil): Essential for that buttery, luscious base to cook your aromatics and shrimp.
6 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the dish with irresistible savory aroma and a warm kick.
1 pound raw jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and juicy for a satisfying seafood touch.
2 teaspoons dried basil: Adds a fragrant herbal note reminiscent of Italian classics.
1 teaspoon salt (divided): To enhance and balance all the flavors evenly.
3 cups passata (or marinara sauce): The vibrant tomato base that lends sweetness and acidity.
½ chicken bouillon cube (crushed) or 1 teaspoon stock powder: Intensifies the savory umami profile without overpowering.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Brightens the palette with fresh green herbaceousness.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided): Adds subtle heat and spice complexity.
1 pinch granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
2/3 cup milk (or half and half or heavy cream): Creates that signature creamy texture that makes this pasta divine.
1 handful parmesan cheese (grated, to serve): A final savory flourish that melts beautifully atop the plate.
1 pinch fresh parsley (to serve): For garnish and a pop of color on presentation.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguini until it is al dente—tender yet with a slight bite. Drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the shrimp sauce. Cooking the pasta just right ensures it won’t become mushy once tossed in the luscious sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic in Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until sizzling. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook gently until it becomes translucent, softening to sweet perfection. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—be careful not to let it burn, as garlic is the aromatic heartbeat of this Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp with Herbs and Seasoning

Next, add the peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp to the skillet along with dried basil and half of the salt. Sauté the shrimp for 2 minutes on one side until it starts to turn pink and opaque, then flip and cook for an additional minute. This quick sear locks in juiciness and lets the shrimp soak up those wonderful buttery garlic flavors.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the passata, crushed chicken bouillon cube, fresh parsley, black pepper, granulated sugar, and the remaining salt. Let everything heat together for a minute so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens. Then, stir in the milk or cream to impart that lush creaminess. Continue cooking for another minute until the shrimp is fully cooked through and the sauce is heated to dreamy perfection.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Finally, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss meticulously so every strand is coated in that rich, creamy tomato garlic butter sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. This step transforms simple pasta into an indulgent meal that’s hard to forget.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A close-up image showing thick spaghetti noodles coated in a reddish-orange sauce being lifted with metal tongs. The pasta looks soft and slightly shiny, mixed with pieces of shrimp that are pinkish with charred edges, adding texture and color contrast. Small green flecks of herbs are scattered throughout the noodles. The background is a soft gray, focusing all attention on the steaming pasta dish. The surface beneath has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish off your dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of chopped fresh parsley. The parmesan adds a salty, nutty dimension while the parsley brings a fresh pop of herbal color that makes the dish feel vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed with light vinaigrettes or some crunchy garlic bread for dipping into that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also bring a welcome texture contrast and balance the richness with a bit of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe in elegant shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful pink shrimp nestled in the creamy red sauce. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for shine and a subtle fruity note. For a fun twist, try plating it with a lemon wedge alongside to squeeze over for a citrusy lift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the shrimp is best fresh, but this meal does reheat nicely without losing too much flavor or texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the creamy sauce because dairy can separate upon thawing, resulting in a grainy texture. If you want to freeze, keep pasta and shrimp separate and reheat gently in small batches.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high as it can toughen the shrimp and cause the sauce to break.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even sautéing. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

Is there a dairy-free option for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative instead of dairy. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What pasta works best with this Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

Linguini, fettuccine, or spaghetti work beautifully because their long strands capture the sauce well. You can even try penne for a chunkier texture experience.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make excellent additions and can be sautéed with the onions for more color and nutrition.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a gentle warmth from black pepper but is not spicy hot. You can add red chili flakes if you want to turn up the heat.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It balances luxurious creaminess, bright tomato flavors, and tender shrimp in a way that feels both comforting and celebratory. If you’re looking for a dish that will impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this is a must-try. I hope you enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!