Nothing beats a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick to whip up—and that’s exactly why this One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen. Imagine succulent shrimp bathing in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce, all mingling effortlessly with perfectly cooked pasta, all made in a single pot. It’s indulgence and convenience rolled into one gorgeous dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Simple Cleanup: Using only one pot means less mess, which means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans.
- Rich, Flavor-Packed Sauce: The garlic butter sauce, enriched with cream, Parmesan, and a touch of lemon, is pure comfort in every bite.
- Speedy Meal Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss.
- Customizable and Adaptable: Whether you want to add some heat with red pepper flakes or swap in your favorite pasta shape, this recipe is endlessly flexible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy here. Each one plays a pivotal role—from the buttery richness to the vibrant pop of fresh parsley—building layers of flavor and creating that signature creamy texture that makes this One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
- Pasta (1 pound): Linguine or fettuccine are perfect as their starch helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Shrimp (1 pound): Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp bring a juicy, tender seafood element.
- Butter (½ cup): Unsalted butter provides a silky base for the garlic sauce.
- Garlic (6-8 cloves): Freshly minced garlic delivers irresistible aroma and pungency.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): Low-sodium broth cooks the pasta and adds a savory flavor foundation.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Adds luscious richness that makes the sauce truly decadent.
- White Wine (½ cup, optional): Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio bring subtle acidity and depth.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the dish with a zesty contrast to the rich butter.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle spicy kick that awakens the palate.
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup): Chopped parsley adds fresh color and herbal brightness.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Grated Parmesan integrates saltiness and umami to elevate the sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that tie all flavors together.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sauté garlic and shrimp without sticking while adding a fruity note.
Variations
This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to tweak it based on what’s in your pantry, dietary preferences, or flavor cravings. Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing!
- Swap the Shrimp: Use scallops, chunks of chicken breast, or even lobster for a different protein twist.
- Go Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it creamy without the dairy.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers during the last minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Upgrade: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne for a bolder flavor profile.
How to Make One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp
Start by warming 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ¼ cup of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, sautéing just until the garlic becomes fragrant—about a minute. Next, nestle the shrimp into the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want them pink and slightly opaque but not fully cooked at this stage since they’ll finish cooking later. Remove the shrimp and set them aside for now.
Step 2: Deglaze with White Wine (Optional)
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the hot pan and gently scrape the bottom to lift all those delicious browned bits. This step adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the sauce. Let it simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes until the alcohol gently cooks off and the wine reduces slightly.
Step 3: Add Broth, Pasta, and Remaining Butter
Pour the chicken broth into your pot, followed by the dried pasta. Feel free to break the long strands in half if needed so everything fits comfortably. Don’t forget to add the remaining ¼ cup of butter for added richness. Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook Pasta
Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. This is where that magic happens—the pasta cooks right in the flavorful broth, and the starch released helps thicken the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the pasta to get it perfectly al dente.
Step 5: Stir in Cream, Parmesan, and Lemon Juice
After removing the lid, check that the pasta is perfectly cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed with a creamy sauce forming. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice to create a silky, indulgent sauce. If it looks too watery, just keep simmering uncovered for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the desired creaminess is reached.
Step 6: Return Shrimp and Finish
Gently fold the shrimp back into the luscious sauce and pasta mixture. Let everything heat through for 1 to 2 minutes—just long enough for the shrimp to finish cooking without turning tough or rubbery. This final step melds all the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, stir in fresh parsley, and taste for seasoning—add salt and black pepper if needed. Serve your masterpiece immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley to make the colors and flavors pop. Dive into your warm, comforting bowl of one-pot goodness!
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Fresh Is Best: Using fresh shrimp will yield the best flavor and texture, but thaw frozen shrimp completely to avoid a watery sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook them just until pink initially, then finish cooking with the pasta to keep them tender and juicy.
- Watch Your Liquid: Different pastas absorb liquid differently, so adjust simmering time and broth quantity as needed for a creamy consistency.
- Use Good Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances sauce texture and flavor compared to pre-grated versions.
How to Serve One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the presentation and flavor even more by garnishing your dish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for vibrant green color and freshness. A light sprinkling of extra grated Parmesan adds a nutty hit, while a few lemon wedges on the side provide an optional bright squeeze to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
This creamy shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus offers a textural contrast and freshness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh herb sprigs for a rustic-chic vibe. Or try plating the shrimp on top of the pasta in a fan shape to highlight their pink allure. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also give a gourmet touch for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, but the pasta may soak up more sauce, so a splash of broth or cream before reheating can bring back that luscious texture.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce may slightly change texture after freezing, you can freeze this dish in portioned freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. To maintain quality, freeze before adding parsley and cheese garnishes, which can be added fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring regularly and adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly and prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine and fettuccine work beautifully because of their starch content that helps thicken the sauce, you can use spaghetti, penne, or even a gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly.
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What if I don’t want to use white wine?
No problem at all! The white wine is optional and can be omitted. You can simply skip that step or substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth or lemon juice to keep the brightness and depth in the sauce.
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How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
To avoid overcooking, cook the shrimp only until they turn pink and opaque the first time in the pan. Then add them back at the end to gently warm through. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and chewy, so keep a close eye on timing.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The result will still be creamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is hands-down a quick-to-make, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your table. Its effortless preparation and comforting richness make it the perfect dish to savor any night of the week. I encourage you to try it soon—you might find yourself making it again and again!
PrintOne-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This one-pot garlic butter shrimp pasta combines succulent shrimp, tender linguine, and a luscious creamy garlic butter sauce made rich with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cooked all in one pot for easy clean-up, it features bright notes of lemon and parsley, with an optional kick of heat from red pepper flakes and depth from white wine. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta (dried)
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large, deep 12-inch skillet or pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons olive oil and ¼ cup butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without burning. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly opaque but not fully cooked. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Deglaze with White Wine (Optional): Pour in white wine to the skillet and scrape up browned bits with a spatula. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce and evaporate alcohol.
- Add Broth, Pasta, and Remaining Butter: Pour in chicken broth, add dried pasta (break strands if needed), and remaining ¼ cup butter. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most liquid absorbed. Cooking time may vary by pasta type.
- Stir in Cream, Parmesan, and Lemon Juice: Remove lid, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Continue simmering uncovered if needed to thicken sauce, stirring until creamy and smooth.
- Return Shrimp and Finish: Fold cooked shrimp back into pasta and sauce. Heat through 1-2 minutes carefully to avoid overcooking shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Breaking long pasta strands helps them fit in the pot and cook evenly.
- If you skip the white wine, you can substitute an equal amount of extra chicken broth or water.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to prevent rubbery texture.
- Stir frequently during pasta cooking to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- This dish can be made dairy-free by substituting butter and cream with plant-based alternatives, and omitting Parmesan.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat that complements the garlic butter sauce.
