Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of shrimp, pasta, and garlic butter, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. The beauty of this dish is that everything cooks in one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal. The combination of savory shrimp, garlic butter, and al dente pasta creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the pasta to the skillet and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the shrimp for vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian take on the dish.
Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Cheesy: For extra creaminess, add more Parmesan cheese or a handful of shredded mozzarella.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work just fine! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Any long pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works well. You can also use short pasta if preferred.

Can I make this recipe without cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be as rich.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks and make sure there’s enough liquid in the skillet to keep it from sticking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan is traditional, but you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a different flavor.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be! The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can skip them if you prefer a milder dish.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, you can add a little more Parmesan cheese or allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, you can use garlic powder in a pinch—use about 1 teaspoon for this recipe.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prepping. Store it in individual containers and reheat for an easy lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days or when you want to treat yourself to something special. With the creamy garlic butter sauce and succulent shrimp, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to customize to fit your tastes, making it a winner every time.

One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish featuring succulent shrimp and creamy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it’s quick to prepare and packs tons of flavor in just one pot.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: Italian

Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the shrimp: In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir, scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the pot and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finish the dish: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and mix until well combined.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

You can use any type of pasta you prefer for this recipe, but long pasta works best.
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
If you prefer more garlic flavor, feel free to add extra minced garlic or garlic powder.