Creamy Avocado Shrimp Linguine

Name: Creamy Avocado Shrimp Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love making Creamy Avocado Shrimp Linguine on those busy weeknights when I crave something delicious yet easy to prepare. The combination of creamy avocado and succulent shrimp creates a rich sauce that clings perfectly to the linguine. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy healthy fats while satisfying my pasta cravings. In just 30 minutes, I can whip up a vibrant dish that feels indulgent without compromising my health goals. It’s a win-win, and my family can’t get enough of it!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-15T14:57:18.543Z

When I first tried this Creamy Avocado Shrimp Linguine, I was amazed at how something so simple could be so satisfying. By blending ripe avocados with garlic and lime, I found the perfect creamy base for my pasta. It not only tastes incredible but also looks vibrant and fresh, making it a delightful dish for guests or family dinners.

Experimenting with this recipe has taught me the importance of using high-quality shrimp. I like to buy wild-caught shrimp, which have a more robust flavor. Tossing these beauties with linguine, I discovered a balance that makes each bite a little taste of heaven. Don’t skip the fresh lime juice; it brightens the whole dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy avocado provides a luxurious texture without heavy cream
Succulent shrimp adds a protein boost that keeps you full
Quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion

The Role of Avocado in the Sauce

Avocado serves as the star of the sauce in this Creamy Avocado Shrimp Linguine, providing a rich, creamy texture without relying on heavy cream. The healthy fats in avocado help create a smooth consistency, which clings beautifully to the linguine. Make sure your avocados are ripe for the best results; they should yield slightly when pressed. If they’re not ripe, try letting them sit at room temperature for a few days until they soften.

Balancing the flavors is key; the acidity from the lime juice not only brightens the dish but also cuts through the creaminess of the avocado. I recommend tasting the sauce before serving and adjusting the lime juice and salt as needed. If you find the sauce to be too thick, simply add more reserved pasta water—a little at a time—to achieve your desired consistency.

Perfecting the Shrimp

When cooking shrimp, timing is crucial. Shrimp cook quickly and can easily become rubbery if overdone. Aim for about 3-4 minutes total cooking time in a medium-heated skillet; they should turn a beautiful pink and be opaque. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to allow for even searing and to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

If you want to enhance the flavor of the shrimp, consider marinating them for 15-20 minutes before cooking— a simple blend of olive oil, lime juice, and seasoning works wonders. However, be cautious not to marinate too long, as the acid from lime can begin to 'cook' the shrimp. Layered flavors will elevate the dish further, making each bite delightful.

Serving and Storing Tips

For optimal freshness and flavor, serve the Creamy Avocado Shrimp Linguine immediately after combining the pasta and sauce. If you're preparing it in advance, keep the sauce and linguine separate until you’re ready to serve. This will prevent the avocado sauce from browning and the pasta from becoming mushy. I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge but recommend consuming them within a day or two.

If you want to reheat leftovers, do so gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to help revive the creaminess and stir frequently to avoid sticking. For variations, consider adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, adding not only nutrition but also a pop of color to the dish.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Creamy Avocado Shrimp Linguine

8 oz linguine pasta
2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Linguine

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, around 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Prepare the Sauce

In a blender, combine avocados, lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a little pasta water. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning and consistency with more water if necessary.

Combine and Serve

In the skillet with the shrimp, add the cooked linguine and the avocado sauce. Toss well to combine, adding more pasta water if needed to reach your desired creaminess. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Pro Tips

For a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving. They will add a delightful texture to the creamy dish!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of shrimp or if you have allergies, you can easily substitute the protein. Grilled chicken or tofu can also work well in this recipe, providing a protein source while complementing the creamy avocado sauce. Just ensure that chicken is cooked through, and if using tofu, opt for extra firm varieties for better texture and grilling.

For a vegan alternative, simply omit the shrimp and consider adding in your favorite plant-based protein, such as chickpeas or edamame. Additionally, if you have an avocado allergy, a blended cashew cream can provide a similar creamy effect that can be flavored with lime and garlic.

Tips for Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easy to scale up for larger gatherings. Each ingredient can be doubled or tripled; just ensure your cooking vessels can accommodate the larger quantities without overcrowding, particularly the skillet when cooking shrimp. Cooking in batches may be necessary to prevent steaming instead of sautéing, which affects caramelization and flavor.

Alternatively, if you need to scale down, you can halve the amounts safely. Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator for other uses, such as a spread for sandwiches or a dip for fresh vegetables.

Creative Serving Ideas

While serving Creamy Avocado Shrimp Linguine as a standalone dish is already delightful, consider elevating your meal with sides. A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully, offering a peppery contrast that balances the creaminess of the linguine. You could also serve it with crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the sauce.

For a more casual twist, try serving the dish in individual bowls topped with fresh cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. A squeeze of lime and sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds excitement—not just visually, but also flavor-wise.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any pasta shape, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with chickpeas or grilled veggies, and omit the shrimp altogether.

→ What can I serve this with?

A light salad or grilled vegetables makes a great side. Pair it with a refreshing drink to balance the flavors.