Name: Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for roasting); 1 large onion, chopped; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 14 ounces king prawns (4 pieces chopped, remainder whole); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup red wine; 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon hot smoked paprika; 1 pinch sugar; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 (12-oz) box linguine pasta; 12 cherry tomatoes on the vine; 3 tablespoons butter

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 78 reviews

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances luscious, buttery flavors with the bright tang of tomatoes and the satisfying bite of shrimp, then you are in for a treat with this Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Linguine Recipe. This dish is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients married together in a garlicky, buttery tomato sauce that clings lovingly to tender linguine and succulent prawns. It’s a dinner party-worthy meal that is surprisingly straightforward to make, promising an unforgettable, comforting experience in every forkful.

Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Linguine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Linguine Recipe plays a starring role, from the sweet cherry tomatoes to the fragrant garlic and rich butter, all combining to create a symphony of flavors and colors. These simple yet essential components ensure the dish’s sauce is both vibrant and indulgent while highlighting the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Olive oil: Use quality olive oil to create a smooth base and enhance the overall flavor with its fruity notes.
Large onion: Adds depth and sweetness once sautéed to soften, forming the base for the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic provides that unmistakable, aromatic punch essential to this dish.
King prawns: Juicy and meaty, they provide a tender seafood texture, with some chopped for sauce and some whole for garnish.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a rich, concentrated sweetness.
Red wine: Adds complexity and a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the butter.
Canned diced tomatoes: Bring a fresh, tangy base that’s crucial for the sauce’s body and color.
Bay leaf: Infuses the sauce with subtle earthy undertones that elevate the aroma.
Hot smoked paprika: Provides a hint of warmth and smokiness without overpowering the dish.
Sugar: Just a pinch to counter the acidity of the tomatoes for perfect balance.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
Linguine pasta: The ideal long, flat pasta that catches the sauce beautifully.
Cherry tomatoes: Roasted on the vine, they add bursts of sweetness and freshness.
Butter: The final luxurious touch, melting into the sauce to make it silky and indulgent.

How to Make Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Linguine Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the base with onions, garlic, and shrimp

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes—this step unlocks its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic, stirring just long enough to release its fragrance without burning. Next, toss in the chopped shrimp pieces and cook until they’re pink and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. This method ensures the shrimp layer their flavor directly into the sauce.

Step 2: Build the sauce with tomato paste, wine, and spices

Turn up the heat to medium-high and stir in the tomato paste, letting it roast in the pan until you smell that rich, caramelized aroma. Then pour in the red wine, letting it reduce to a thick syrupy consistency. This deepens the sauce with complexity and a touch of acidity. Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and sugar, then season well with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 3: Cook linguine and roast tomatoes and whole shrimp

While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente—firm but tender. For roasting, heat a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan and sear the cherry tomatoes on the vine for about 2 minutes on each side, which intensifies their natural sweetness and lightly chars the skin. Add a little more oil, then sear the reserved whole shrimp until they are golden and cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper. Once cooked, return the roasted tomatoes to the pan and set everything aside until serving.

Step 4: Finish and assemble the dish

Stir the butter into your rich tomato sauce until melted and silky. Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce, evenly coating every strand. Plate the pasta and top each serving with the roasted tomatoes and whole shrimp, creating a stunning presentation. This final assembly promises a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Linguine Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make fabulous garnishes, adding a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can introduce a tantalizing hint of heat if you want to turn up the flavor. Don’t forget a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which helps cut through the butteriness of the linguine. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also an ideal companion to soak up that delicious sauce, making your meal feel complete and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the shrimp and linguine family-style in a large rustic bowl, encouraging shared enjoyment. For a special touch, nestle the roasted tomatoes and shrimp on top like jewels, letting their bright colors pop against the golden pasta. A small ramekin of extra sauce on the side lets guests add more if they’re feeling saucy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Linguine Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shrimp can lose some texture after reheating, so it’s best enjoyed fresh, but the sauce and pasta reheat nicely.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish because the shrimp’s texture can become rubbery, and the sauce may separate. If you must freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately and thaw them slowly in the fridge before combining.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce silky and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the texture of the shrimp and pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Linguine Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess water diluting the sauce. Fresh shrimp will always deliver the best texture, but frozen works fine in a pinch.

What can I substitute for red wine?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace the red wine with an equal amount of chicken broth mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth that wine provides.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the smoked paprika or toss some red pepper flakes into the sauce while it simmers for a warming kick that complements the shrimp beautifully.

Can I use a different pasta than linguine?

Definitely! While linguine is traditional here, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a thicker pasta like pappardelle can work wonderfully, as long as it has enough surface area for the sauce to cling to.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil when finishing the sauce. You’ll still get a rich, luscious texture without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Linguine Recipe is one of those enchanting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its combination of garlicky butter, fresh tomatoes, and perfectly cooked shrimp creates a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or indulging yourself, give this recipe a try and enjoy a little bite of culinary magic at your table.