Indulge in this Beetlejuice-inspired shrimp linguine recipe. Creamy garlic shrimp and spooky striped pasta come together in a hauntingly delicious Halloween dinner that’s straight from the Netherworld!

Purple and white linguine noodles in a cream sauce topped with shrimp and cherry tomatoes with skeleton hands in a white bowl.

Halloween is such a fun time of year! The decorations, candy, and costumes always create excitement around here, even as the boys have gotten older.

And Halloween wouldn’t be complete without epic holiday movies. We’ve been obsessed with Beetlejuice for years (so much that we even made these epic Beetlejuice costumes one year), and with the sequel coming out soon, it’s the perfect excuse to bring this iconic flick to the dinner table.

This spooky, stripey shrimp linguine is just the thing to make your Halloween extra fun (and extra tasty). It’s easy enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for a themed party, and who doesn’t love eating fun food based on their favorite movie!

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy shrimp linguine recipe checks all the boxes for the ultimate Halloween dinner—easy, flavorful, and just a little spooky. The black and white striped pasta brings Beetlejuice’s suit to life, while the jumbo shrimp give a nod to that unforgettable Beetlejuice shrimp cocktail scene.

The sauce is rich and garlicky with just the right kick from fresh tomatoes and parmesan. It’s a festive, flavorful twist on creamy seafood linguine that you’ll want to make all October long.

If you’re hungry for more shrimp recipes, try these faves: sweet chili shrimp, bacon-wrapped grilled shrimp, a quick and easy shrimp bowl, and air fryer panko shrimp.

I can’t wait for Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice to hit theaters this fall! After so many years, we finally get to see what has been going on with the Maitlands and the world of Beetlejuice.

I am celebrating this very special occasion with a simple shrimp pasta recipe that you are going to love! It is perfect for Halloween or for enjoying while rewatching the original film.

Purple and white linguine noodles in a cream sauce topped with shrimp and cherry tomatoes.

Beetlejuice Shrimp Linguine

This recipe uses black rice linguine and white linguine to create black and white striped pasta – used to symbolize Beetlejuice’s iconic suit.

The large shrimp are reminiscent of the movie, too, and the shrimp cocktails that come to life at the dinner party. I left the tails on the shrimp to mimic this effect, but they can easily be removed before eating.

Now go grab yourself a glass of wine and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

White rice linguine noodles – Classic, simple, and ready to play their part in the striped pasta effect.
Black rice linguine noodles – Using both black and white noodles brings the Beetlejuice vibes, but are not absolutely needed.
Extra virgin olive oil – Gets things sizzling and adds rich flavor to your shrimp.
Jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined – Big, bold, and dinner party-scene approved.
Butter, unsalted – Because every good sauce needs a little butter.
Garlic cloves, minced – The start of any great sauce.
Italian seasoning – A sprinkle of cozy herbs to keep the flavor grounded.
Heavy cream – The creamy base of our sauce (half-and-half works too!).
Parmesan cheese, shredded – Melts right into the sauce.
Fresh cherry tomatoes, halved – Sweet, bright, and a little pop of color among the spooky stripes.
Salt and pepper to taste – The seasoning MVPs.

Shrimp being sauteed in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.

Instructions

1. Place raw shrimp in a medium bowl and toss with salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat oil and cook shrimp in a single layer for 6-8 minutes over medium-high heat until pink and just cooked through.

Black and white linguini noodles in a pot of boiling water.

3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and add linguini noodles.

Tip: Add 1/2 Tbsp oil to the water to help prevent the noodles from sticking.

Black and white linguini noodles cooked and resting in a pot.

4. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and let the cooked pasta rest.

5. Remove shrimp from the skillet and add butter and garlic. Cook over medium heat until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Cream sauce bubbling in a cast iron skillet.

6. Add cream, parmesan cheese, and seasoning and heat until cream begins to boil and thicken. This only takes a few minutes.

7. Remove from heat and add shrimp back to the skillet.

8. Add cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes and stir to combine.

9. Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.

Alternate Ingredients

While you will lose the fun Beetlejuice stripes, you can use any long pasta shape you prefer. Angel hair pasta works particularly well.
Whole grain pasta can also be used.
If you aren’t a shrimp lover, substitute chicken instead.

Purple and white linguine noodles in a cream sauce topped with shrimp and cherry tomatoes with a shrimp on a gold fork.

If you don’t want to use cream in your sauce, try substituting it with chicken broth, a little cooking wine, or even some reserved pasta water.
Try garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Add lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.

Tips and Tricks

Whether you are using fresh shrimp or frozen, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture that could dilute the flavor of the sauce.
If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them under cold water before patting them dry.
If you’re worried about ending up with a gray mush, boil the white and black rice linguine separately.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Skip the pasta and serve this succulent shrimp on its own as an appetizer.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for 2–3 days—just reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.

If you can’t get enough of Beetlejuice, make sure to check out these Beetlejuice pumpkin stencils and Beetlejuice coloring pages for even more spooky fun. I also have tutorials for sandworm, shrunken head, and Adam and Barbara costumes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this shrimp linguine gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free linguine noodles. Many black rice pastas are naturally gluten-free.

What can I use instead of cream in the sauce?
You can swap the cream for half and half, evaporated milk, or even a mix of chicken broth and pasta water for a lighter version.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them fully, pat them dry, and you’re good to go.

How do I get the black and white pasta effect?
Boil black rice linguine and white rice linguine separately, then alternate strands on the plate for that signature Beetlejuice-inspired stripe.

Is this good for meal prep?
It sure is. Cook everything ahead, store it in an airtight container, and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Wow your family this Halloween with a delicious shrimp linguine with cream sauce inspired by Beetlejuice! It’s spooky, it’s tasty, and it’s just the right mix of weird and wonderful.

Whether you’re planning a themed dinner night, watching the original Beetlejuice movie, or counting down to the sequel release, this is the pasta recipe you’ll want on your plate.

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