One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy nights. With succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is all made in one pot for minimal cleanup. It’s creamy, garlicky, and bursting with flavor, making it a go-to dinner when you’re craving something satisfying but simple.

Ingredients

• 250g pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your choice)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.

2. Cook the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add Cream and Parmesan

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

5. Combine the Pasta and Shrimp

Return the cooked pasta to the pot and toss it in the creamy garlic butter sauce until fully coated. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and toss gently to combine.

6. Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve the pasta immediately, while it’s still warm and creamy.

Expert Tips

• Shrimp Variations: You can use other proteins like chicken or scallops if you prefer, but shrimp is quick and adds a nice flavor to this dish.

• Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Alternatively, use a dairy-free cream for a vegan version.

• Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest for a pop of brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Why This Dish Works

The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates a rich, savory base, while the creamy sauce ties everything together with a luscious, velvety texture. Cooking the pasta in the same pot makes the dish extra easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s packed with flavor.

Conclusion

One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a fast, flavorful, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The creamy garlic butter sauce, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta make for a satisfying and comforting meal. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, so clean-up is a breeze.