One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta 🦐🧄🍋
If you’re craving a quick but indulgent meal, this One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner! 💛 Juicy, tender shrimp are sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. Best of all — it’s all made in one pot for easy prep and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something restaurant-worthy at home!
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
In a large pot, bring chicken broth, water, olive oil, and salt to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick together. Once done, drain and set aside (reserve ½ cup of pasta water).
2. Sauté the shrimp:
In the same pot, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce:
Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in the pot. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t burn it!). Squeeze in lemon juice and stir.
4. Combine everything:
Add the pasta back into the pot with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley. Finally, return shrimp to the pot and mix gently.
5. Serve & enjoy:
Plate the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Tips & Variations:
✅ Swap spaghetti for linguine or angel hair for a lighter texture.
✅ Add spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra veggies.
✅ Use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp for variety.
✅ For a creamier version, add ½ cup heavy cream before tossing in pasta.