One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Simple Introduction
Few dinners strike the perfect balance between luxury and simplicity quite like One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. This dish delivers everything home cooks crave on a busy weeknight: bold flavor, minimal cleanup, and a restaurant-quality result that feels indulgent without being complicated. Juicy shrimp, silky pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce come together in a single pan, creating layers of flavor that taste like they took hours—when in reality, they’re ready in about 30 minutes.
What truly sets One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta apart is how effortlessly it comes together. Instead of juggling multiple pots and pans, everything cooks in one vessel, allowing the pasta to absorb the buttery, garlicky broth as it simmers. This technique builds a naturally creamy sauce without relying on heavy amounts of cream, making the dish rich yet balanced.
More breakfast ideas you’ll love
Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself after a long day, this pasta delivers comfort and elegance in equal measure. It’s weeknight-friendly, date-night worthy, and endlessly customizable—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Why One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Is a Must-Make
This recipe isn’t just popular because it’s delicious—it’s beloved because it works. Here’s why One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation:
1. One Pot, Maximum Flavor
Cooking everything in one pan allows the pasta to soak up the garlic butter sauce as it cooks. Instead of draining away flavor, you’re locking it in. Every strand of pasta becomes infused with buttery, garlicky goodness.
2. Fast Enough for Weeknights
From prep to plate, this dish takes about 30 minutes. Shrimp cook quickly, pasta simmers efficiently, and the sauce comes together naturally—no long reductions or complicated steps.
3. Restaurant-Quality at Home
Creamy, glossy, and packed with savory depth, this dish tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian-inspired restaurant. Yet it’s made with simple pantry staples.
4. Easy to Customize
Prefer more spice? Add extra red pepper flakes. Want greens? Toss in spinach or asparagus. Need it lighter? Reduce the butter slightly and add more lemon juice. This recipe adapts effortlessly.
5. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food
Shrimp pasta is universally loved. The combination of garlic, butter, Parmesan, and tender shrimp is comforting without being heavy—perfect for adults and kids alike.
Ingredients Breakdown & Pro Tips
Understanding your ingredients is key to mastering One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Each component plays an important role in flavor, texture, and balance.
Pasta & Protein
Linguine or Fettuccine (1 lb)
Long pasta works best because it releases starch slowly, helping thicken the sauce naturally. Breaking the pasta in half ensures it fits comfortably in the pan and cooks evenly.
Large Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
Shrimp are the star of the dish. Large shrimp provide a meaty bite and stay juicy when cooked properly. Fresh or frozen both work—just make sure frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry.
Sauce Base
Unsalted Butter (½ cup / 1 stick)
Butter provides richness and carries the garlic flavor throughout the dish. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
Olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note that balances the richness.
Garlic (6–8 cloves, minced)
Garlic is the soul of this dish. Don’t skimp—this is garlic butter shrimp pasta, after all. Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor.
Chicken Broth (4 cups, low sodium)
Broth replaces water to cook the pasta, infusing it with savory depth. Low sodium allows you to season precisely.
Creamy Finish
Heavy Cream (½ cup)
Cream adds silkiness and rounds out the sharpness of garlic and Parmesan. You can reduce slightly if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, freshly grated)
Parmesan thickens the sauce and adds umami richness. Always grate fresh for the smoothest melt.
Flavor Boosters
Dry White Wine (½ cup, optional)
Wine adds acidity and complexity. If skipping, substitute with extra broth and a splash of lemon juice.
Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons)
Lemon brightens the entire dish, cutting through the butter and cream.
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional)
Adds gentle heat that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped)
Parsley brings freshness and color, balancing the richness.
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Season gradually—Parmesan and broth already contain salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Technique Tips
1. Sauté Garlic & Shrimp
Heat olive oil and ¼ cup butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about one minute until fragrant.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook shrimp—they’ll finish cooking later.
2. Deglaze the Pan (Optional)
Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Why this matters: Deglazing captures concentrated flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
3. Add Broth, Pasta & Butter
Add chicken broth, dried pasta, and remaining butter. Bring to a gentle boil, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged.
4. Simmer Pasta
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pasta should be al dente, and liquid mostly absorbed.
Pro Tip: Stir from the bottom to keep pasta from clumping.
5. Create the Sauce
Uncover and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Finish with Shrimp
Return shrimp to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until heated through.
7. Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat, stir in parsley, season with salt and black pepper, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is its flexibility.
-
Spicy Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning and extra red pepper flakes
-
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Increase lemon juice and add zest
-
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus
-
Cream-Free Version: Skip cream and add extra pasta water + Parmesan
-
Cheesy Upgrade: Add mozzarella or fontina for extra meltiness
Serving Suggestions
This dish is satisfying on its own, but pair it with:
-
Garlic bread or crusty baguette
-
Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
-
Roasted asparagus or broccoli
-
Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea
Storage & Reheating Tips
-
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
-
Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream
-
Avoid Microwaving Shrimp Too Long: It can make them rubbery
One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish—rich, creamy, and bursting with garlicky flavor. Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, and a silky garlic butter sauce all come together in one pan, making cleanup minimal and flavor maximum. It’s elegant enough for a dinner guest yet easy enough for a busy night at home.
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein
-
1 lb linguine or fettuccine (dried)
-
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce Base
-
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
6–8 cloves garlic, minced
-
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Creamy Finish
-
½ cup heavy cream
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Flavor Boosters
-
½ cup dry white wine (optional, e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
-
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
-
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Sauté Garlic & Shrimp
In a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat, add olive oil and ¼ cup butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside. -
Deglaze (Optional)
Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes. -
Add Broth, Pasta & Butter
Add chicken broth, dried pasta (break in half if needed), and remaining ¼ cup butter. Bring to a boil. -
Simmer Pasta
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid has mostly absorbed. -
Create the Sauce
Uncover and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Simmer uncovered if needed until sauce thickens. -
Finish with Shrimp
Return shrimp to the pan and cook 1–2 minutes, just until heated through. -
Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat, stir in parsley, season with salt and black pepper, and serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
-
Don’t overcook shrimp: Add them back at the end to keep them juicy and tender.
-
Use long pasta: Linguine or fettuccine release starch that naturally thickens the sauce.
-
Extra richness: Add an extra tablespoon of butter before serving.
-
No wine? Replace with more chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
-
Spicy twist: Increase red pepper flakes or add Cajun seasoning.
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
-
Calories: ~650 kcal
-
Protein: ~35 g
-
Fat: ~32 g
-
Carbohydrates: ~55 g
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is more than just a recipe—it’s a solution. It’s the answer to busy nights when you want something comforting but impressive, indulgent yet practical. With minimal cleanup, simple ingredients, and bold flavors, this dish proves that great cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.
What makes this pasta truly special is how the flavors build naturally in one pot. The pasta absorbs the garlic butter broth, the shrimp stay tender and juicy, and the Parmesan and cream create a luxurious sauce without overwhelming the dish. Every bite delivers richness balanced by brightness, comfort paired with elegance.
