There’s something utterly satisfying about a meal that comes together in just one pot—especially when it’s bursting with garlic, buttery richness, and tender shrimp all tangled with perfectly cooked pasta. The moment I first tossed together this One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, I knew I had found a new weeknight staple. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. Whether you’re craving comfort food after a busy day or want to impress guests without the hassle, this recipe delivers bold flavors and silky textures that everyone loves. Ready to taste how simple gourmet can be? Let’s dive in!
Why choose One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Effortless simplicity: This recipe combines everything in one pot, cutting cleanup time drastically. Bold, rich flavor: Garlic and butter create a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp. Time-saving: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights. Creamy texture: Velvety pasta mingles with tender shrimp for satisfying bites. Crowd-pleaser: Perfectly balanced flavors make it a guaranteed hit for family or guests.
One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Sauce
• Large shrimp – peeled and deveined for quick, tender cooking that soaks up the buttery garlic sauce.
• Unsalted butter – the rich base that creates the signature luscious sauce for this one-pot garlic butter shrimp pasta.
• Garlic cloves – freshly minced to infuse bold, aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
• Chicken broth – adds depth and moisture to perfectly cook the pasta right inside the pot.
For the Pasta and Seasoning
• Linguine pasta – cooks evenly in the sauce, soaking up every bit of that creamy garlic butter goodness.
• Parmesan cheese – freshly grated to finish with a nutty, melty richness that ties the whole dish together.
• Fresh parsley – chopped for a bright, herbal pop that balances the buttery flavors.
• Salt and black pepper – seasoned simply to enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering.
How to Make One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Season shrimp: Pat peeled, deveined shrimp dry and toss with salt and pepper in a bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for best flavor absorption.
- Sauté garlic: Melt unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp: Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook until opaque and pink on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate, leaving the garlic butter sauce in the pot.
- Combine pasta: Pour in chicken broth and linguine, pressing pasta to submerge. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, 12–15 minutes.
- Finish sauce: Uncover and stir gently to release starch, creating a creamy sauce. Return cooked shrimp to the pot. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, tossing until cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve: Divide pasta among bowls, spooning extra buttery sauce over top. Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while steaming hot.
Optional: drizzle with lemon juice for a bright finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Delightfully complement your meal with refreshing and comforting sides that enhance the rich flavors of this buttery dish.
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Garlic Bread: Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside; it’s a classic accompaniment to soak up that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
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Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil create a light, vibrant contrast, balancing the richness of the pasta beautifully.
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Steamed Asparagus: Tender-crisp asparagus spears add a fresh, slightly nutty crunch that pairs well with the pasta’s creamy texture.
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Lemon Rice: Bright and zesty lemon-infused rice complements the shrimp’s flavors, making each bite feel even more indulgent.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and nutty parmesan dressed in creamy Caesar dressing offer a crunchy, savory side that perfectly matches the pasta.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay adds a luscious, fruity note that lifts the overall dining experience. It’s like romance in a glass!
These pairings will not only elevate your meal but also create a cozy dining experience that everyone will cherish.
How to Store and Freeze One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
- Quality Check: Reheat shrimp pasta only once to maintain flavor and texture. Consuming leftovers quickly is best for ensuring the most enjoyable dining experience.
Variations & Substitutions for One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Feel free to put your own spin on this delicious dish with these fun and flavorful variations!
- Gluten-Free: Swap out linguine for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without losing taste.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach or cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes of cooking for a vibrant color and extra nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a zesty heat that elevates every bite.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme to add a fragrant touch and deepen the flavor profile.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end for an even richer sauce.
- Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemon zest on top just before serving for a refreshing zing that brightens the dish beautifully.
- Pesto Upgrade: Mix in a few tablespoons of basil pesto to create a delightful fusion of flavors that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Protein Variations: Substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops for an entirely new taste experience that still shines in that garlic butter sauce.
Get creative and enjoy making this recipe uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can season the shrimp and prep the garlic butter sauce up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating them separately, ensuring they’ll remain fresh and flavorful. Additionally, you can measure and combine the pasta with chicken broth in the pot ahead of time, cutting your cooking down to just 15 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy. When it’s time to serve, simply sauté the garlic, add the shrimp, and finish cooking the pasta in the broth, tossing everything together for restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. This way, you’ll delight in a delicious and satisfying meal without the stress on hectic weeknights!
Expert Tips for One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Use fresh shrimp: Always choose fresh or fully thawed shrimp to ensure tender texture and maximum flavor in your one-pot garlic butter shrimp pasta.
- Don’t overcook shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque; overcooking makes them rubbery and less enjoyable. Remove them before simmering pasta.
- Stir pasta occasionally: Gently stirring while pasta cooks prevents sticking and ensures even absorption of the garlic butter sauce.
- Control heat carefully: Keep the simmer low to avoid burning butter or drying out the broth, preserving the sauce’s creamy consistency.
- Grate cheese fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and enhances the sauce’s richness—pre-grated often clumps or doesn’t melt evenly.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving and tweak salt or pepper as needed to maintain the perfect balance of bold, buttery flavors.
One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my shrimp is fresh enough for One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta?
Look for shrimp that is firm to the touch with a mild ocean scent—avoid any that smell overly fishy or have dark spots all over. Fresh shrimp should be translucent and glossy, not slimy or dry.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of this pasta, and how long will they keep?
I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing to prevent sogginess from condensation. Reheat gently to enjoy that creamy garlic butter flavor again.
Can I freeze One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta? How should I do it?
Absolutely! Freeze your leftovers in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to reduce freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, warm it slowly on the stove with a splash of broth or water to bring back that silky texture.
My pasta sometimes sticks or clumps when cooking in one pot—how can I prevent this?
Great question! Stir the pasta gently but regularly during simmering to prevent sticking and to help release starch, which forms that lovely creamy sauce. Also, make sure the liquid covers the pasta completely and keep your heat low—too high, and it may evaporate too quickly.
Is this recipe safe for pets if I want to share a little bite?
I usually advise against feeding pets garlic, butter, or shrimp, as these ingredients can upset their stomachs or be toxic in larger amounts. It’s better to keep this delicious pasta just for your family and whip up a pet-friendly treat separately!
Easy One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Creamy, Bold Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat peeled, deveined shrimp dry and toss with salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Melt unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
- Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook until opaque and pink on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate, leaving the garlic butter sauce in the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth and linguine, pressing pasta to submerge. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, 12–15 minutes.
- Uncover and stir gently to release starch, creating a creamy sauce. Return cooked shrimp to the pot. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, tossing until cheese melts.
- Divide pasta among bowls, spooning extra buttery sauce over top. Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while steaming hot.
