Table of Contents
In just 30 minutes, this One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta delivers creamy, garlicky goodness with minimal cleanup. First, you sauté fresh shrimp in melted butter and garlic until pink. Then, you stir in pasta, chicken broth, and seasonings, cooking everything together until the noodles soak up all that rich flavor. Finally, you finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley. This easy seafood dinner works great for busy weeknights, date nights, or casual gatherings. Moreover, it ranks among my favorite shrimp pasta recipes for dinner because it combines simplicity, taste, and convenience in one delicious bowl.
From the moment I first tossed garlic, butter, and shrimp into a single pot, I knew I had discovered a game-changer in affordable comfort food. My One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta marries savory garlic notes with tender shrimp, all coated in a silky, buttery sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re craving easy seafood after a long day or hunting for shrimp pasta recipes easy enough for beginners, this dish delivers on flavor and simplicity. Also, it transforms weeknight dinners into memorable moments. Plus, it saves time on washing up. Ultimately, this recipe proves that gourmet flavor and convenience can coexist beautifully in one skillet.
One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the remaining butter until melted. Add shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Push shrimp to the side, pour in broth, and bring to a boil. Add pasta in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once pasta is al dente, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook 2 more minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return shrimp to the pot. Drizzle with lemon juice, toss to combine. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story & Inspiration Behind One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A Personal Memory
It was a chilly Thursday evening when I first experimented with my signature One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Meanwhile, I grabbed fresh shrimp at the market, and I couldn’t resist dreaming up a comforting seafood dish. As I melted butter and sprinkled garlic into the hot skillet, the kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma. I added pasta straight into the pot, along with broth and spices—no fuss, no separate pots. That moment sparked my love for easy, flavorful meals that bring the whole family together.
Despite the chaos of family life, the One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta came together in under 30 minutes. I watched Daniel dip bread into the leftover sauce, and Ella declared it her new favorite dinner. That simple victory reminded me why I write shrimp pasta recipes easy enough for any home cook. From then on, I tweaked the balance between garlic intensity and buttery creaminess until it felt just right.
Since that night, I’ve served this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta at casual dinner parties and cozy date nights at home. Guests always ask for the recipe, calling it a standout among shrimp pasta dishes. Each time I mention One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, I see eyes light up with anticipation. Ultimately, this recipe reflects my mission at Cooklyum: to make gourmet-inspired meals feel within reach for everyone.
Why This Recipe Matters
This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta stands out because it combines convenience with gourmet flavor. Moreover, it saves time by cooking pasta and shrimp in a single pot, which minimizes dishes. Additionally, this recipe adapts easily: you can swap gluten-free pasta or add vegetables like spinach and cherry tomatoes to boost nutrition. As a result, you enjoy a balanced meal that satisfies cravings for garlic shrimp pasta and creamy sauces. Furthermore, its rich flavor profile complements side salads or crusty bread, making it a versatile option for shrimp recipes for dinner.
Moreover, this dish ranks high on lists of shrimp pasta recipes easy enough for busy cooks. It fits perfectly into weeknight menus, yet impresses guests on special occasions. By relying on pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you create a comforting seafood dish without stress. Consequently, you make cooking both approachable and rewarding. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with loved ones—it just might become your next weeknight hero.
Ingredients & Instructions
Gather fresh, high-quality ingredients to make your One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta shine. Moreover, having everything prepped ensures a smooth cooking experience. Below are the simple items you need to create this flavorful shrimp pasta dish.
Ingredients You Need for One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large shrimp, peeled & deveined | 1 pound |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Chicken broth (or seafood stock) | 4 cups |
| Dry spaghetti or linguine | 8 ounces |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt & freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. In addition, using fresh shrimp guarantees the best texture and taste. For convenience, frozen shrimp works too—just thaw thoroughly before cooking.
Once you’ve measured everything, you’re ready to cook. The following steps guide you through making this easy seafood dinner that belongs in your rotation of shrimp pasta recipes easy enough for any home cook.
Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This one-pot method earns praise in Seafood Dish Recipes circles because it streamlines cooking without compromising flavor. Moreover, it stands out among Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta recipes for its ease and minimal prep. Let’s dive into the detailed instructions.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. First, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the remaining butter until it melts. Then, add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, until pink and slightly opaque.
- Push the shrimp to one side of the pot. Next, pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the dry pasta in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to ensure pasta submerges in broth.
- Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once pasta reaches al dente, pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan. Stir until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Return shrimp to the center. Drizzle lemon juice over the top and toss to combine evenly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.
For a lower-carb variation, swap traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles. Similarly, you can substitute gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. If you prefer extra veggies, toss in baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Consequently, you create a customized garlic shrimp pasta that caters to your taste. Additionally, leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive the creamy sauce.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Smart Swaps & Variations
To switch up the flavors, start by swapping butter for olive oil if you prefer a lighter base. Moreover, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes brings a gentle heat that complements the shrimp’s sweetness. For a dairy-free take, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and skip the Parmesan. Similarly, you can stir in fresh spinach or kale during the final minutes of cooking to boost vitamins and fiber. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives. Ultimately, these tweaks turn your shrimp pasta dishes into versatile culinary adventures.
If you follow a low-carb or keto lifestyle, swap pasta for shirataki noodles or zucchini ribbons. Additionally, you can double the shrimp and skip the cream to create a protein-packed garlic shrimp pasta bowl. For Gluten-sensitive cooks, choose your favorite gluten-free spaghetti. Consequently, this dish adapts to any diet without losing its signature flavor or silky texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal. Furthermore, crusty garlic bread makes an excellent side to soak up the luscious sauce. If you host a dinner gathering, present the pasta family-style on a large platter garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges. For meal-prep, portion leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess. Moreover, you can freeze portions in sealed bags for up to one month—just thaw overnight before warming gently on the stove.
Ultimately, this easy seafood recipe fits into busy lifestyles, romantic date nights, and casual weekends alike. It works well alongside antipasti platters, roasted veggies, or simple garlic-roasted asparagus. With these serving ideas, your One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta becomes the star of any meal.
Health Benefits of One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta offers a satisfying balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Shrimp provides lean protein and essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Moreover, garlic delivers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support immunity and heart health. The whole dish supplies complex carbohydrates from pasta, which fuel your energy needs, while a moderate amount of butter and cream contribute healthy fats that aid nutrient absorption.
By adding vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, you increase fiber, vitamins A and C, and phytonutrients that promote overall well-being. If you follow a balanced diet, this recipe fits perfectly into Mediterranean, low-carb, or flexitarian meal plans. For those on a keto diet, simply replace pasta with vegetable noodles and reduce the cream to keep net carbs low. Consequently, you enjoy creamy, garlic-rich flavor without derailing your nutrition goals.
Additionally, the one-pot method preserves more nutrients by reducing cooking time and liquid loss. As a result, you maximize the health benefits of each ingredient. Ultimately, this recipe demonstrates that you can indulge in rich, gourmet-style meals while maintaining a wholesome, nutrient-packed diet.
Conclusion
One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta proves that weeknight cooking can be both effortless and elegant. By combining simple ingredients in a single skillet, you save time on prep and cleanup, yet deliver restaurant-quality flavor. From the first garlicky aroma to the last creamy bite, this dish delights every palate. Moreover, it adapts seamlessly to dietary preferences, whether you crave gluten-free, low-carb, or extra-veggie versions. I encourage you to make this recipe your go-to for easy seafood dinners, special occasions, and everything in between. Ultimately, your family will thank you for adding this versatile and delicious meal to your dinner rotation.
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FAQs About One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and hold a firm texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pasta gently after adding it to the broth and occasionally during cooking. Also, make sure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid for even cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.