If you’ve ever ordered Pasta Weesie at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you know why it’s such a fan favorite. I try not to go to chain restaurants often, but this is definitely a favorite of ours if we go out. This creamy shrimp pasta is rich with garlic, mushrooms, butter, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
The good news? You can make this Copycat Carrabba’s Pasta Weesie recipe at home in about 30 minutes, and it tastes just like the restaurant version — maybe even better. Tender shrimp are sautéed with mushrooms and garlic, then tossed in a luscious white wine cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and pasta.
It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality and is perfect when you want something comforting, buttery, garlicky, and indulgent.
Other Pasta Dishes You’ll Love:
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Weesie Recipe
- Tastes just like the restaurant classic
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Loaded with garlic butter shrimp
- Creamy Parmesan sauce that coats the pasta beautifully
- Perfect for date night, dinner parties, or cozy nights in
What Is Pasta Weesie?
Pasta Weesie is one of the most popular shrimp pasta dishes from Carrabba’s Italian Grill. The dish features:
- sautéed shrimp
- mushrooms
- lots of garlic
- a white wine cream sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- pasta
The result is a rich, savory Italian-American pasta dish that is creamy, buttery, and full of garlic flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Copycat Pasta Weesie
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sliced mushrooms.
Cook until mushrooms soften and start to brown. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated in the sauce.
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
7. Finish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for the Best Pasta Weesie
Use fresh shrimp. Fresh or properly thawed shrimp gives the best texture.
Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need a couple minutes per side.
Use real Parmesan. Freshly grated cheese melts into the sauce better.
Reserve pasta water. It helps create a silky restaurant-style sauce.
Copycat Carrabba’s Pasta Weesie
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This Copycat Carrabba’s Pasta Weesie is a rich and creamy shrimp pasta made with garlic, mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan cream sauce tossed with linguine. A restaurant-style Italian dinner you can make easily at home in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz linguine pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
½ cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
-
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sliced mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms soften and begin to brown.
-
Add minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavor. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
-
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
-
Stir in Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
-
Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet and toss everything together.
-
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
-
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Do not overcook the shrimp or they will become rubbery.
Pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and makes it silky like restaurant pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, DINNER | PASTA
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: ITALIAN INSPIRED
Variations
Add Spinach
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach for color and extra flavor.
Make It Spicier
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
Swap the Pasta
This sauce works great with:
- linguine
- fettuccine
- penne
- angel hair
What to Serve With Pasta Weesie
This dish pairs perfectly with:
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Weesie” mean?
The name comes from a nickname used by the Carrabba family and became the name of their signature shrimp pasta dish.
Can I make Pasta Weesie without wine?
Yes. Substitute chicken broth for the white wine.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
This Copycat Carrabba’s Pasta Weesie is one of those pasta dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. With buttery shrimp, mushrooms, garlic, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, it’s the kind of meal that instantly becomes a household favorite.
Make it once, and it might just replace your next restaurant trip.
