One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

There are few dishes as comforting, elegant, and unbelievably easy as One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. This recipe takes the rich, buttery goodness of classic garlic shrimp and marries it with tender pasta simmered in a luscious, creamy sauce — all made in ONE pot from start to finish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner, a date night at home, or meal prepping for the week, this dish gives you gourmet results with minimal cleanup.

In today’s world of fast-paced living, one-pot meals have become a kitchen essential. They save time, reduce mess, and create full-bodied flavor because ingredients simmer together, layering taste with every step. One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is especially perfect because each ingredient not only stands out but also enhances the final dish — the garlic butter forms the foundation, the chicken broth infuses the pasta with savory notes, and the heavy cream and Parmesan bring indulgent richness.

And let’s not forget the shrimp. Plump, juicy, tender shrimp make this pasta feel restaurant-worthy, yet simple enough for even beginner cooks. Every bite delivers a luxurious blend of buttery sauce, aromatic garlic, citrus brightness, and a subtle heat (if you opt for red pepper flakes). The starch released from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce, giving you a creamy, cling-to-the-noodle consistency without needing tons of added ingredients.

If you’re searching for a recipe that checks all the boxes — quick, flavorful, creamy, crowd-pleasing, and beginner-friendly — this One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• One-pot convenience: No colanders, no multiple pans, no mess. Everything cooks in ONE pot.

• Rich & creamy flavor: Butter, garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan — the dream team for comfort food.

• Perfectly cooked shrimp: Tender and juicy without overcooking.

• Restaurant-quality dish: Elevated flavors that taste like fine dining, but ready in about 30 minutes.

• Customizable: Add veggies, extra spices, fresh herbs, or your favorite pasta.

This recipe is ideal for home cooks looking for delicious results with minimal effort. And best of all? It’s incredibly beginner-friendly.

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🧄🦐 Ingredients for One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible pasta dish:

Pasta

• 1 pound linguine or fettuccine
  Long pasta creates luxurious strands coated in creamy garlic butter sauce.

Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for best texture.

Butter

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  The heart of your garlic-butter sauce.

Garlic

• 6–8 cloves minced
  Fresh garlic delivers the deepest, most aromatic flavor.

Chicken Broth

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  This is what cooks the pasta and builds the sauce foundation.

Heavy Cream

• ½ cup heavy cream
  Adds richness and creamy texture.

White Wine (Optional)

• ½ cup dry white wine
  For depth and acidity — optional but recommended.

Lemon Juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  Brightens and balances richness.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

• ¼ teaspoon
  Enhances the garlic butter with subtle heat.

Fresh Parsley

• ¼ cup chopped
  Adds freshness and color.

Parmesan Cheese

• ½ cup grated + more for serving
  Thickens the sauce and adds salty umami.

Salt & Black Pepper

• To taste.

Olive Oil

• 2 tablespoons
  Helps sauté the shrimp and prevents sticking.

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🍳 How to Make One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta every time:

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1. Sauté the Garlic & Shrimp

Start by heating 2 tablespoons olive oil + ¼ cup butter in a large, deep skillet or pot.

Add:

• Minced garlic

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic — it becomes bitter if overcooked.

Next, add the shrimp. Cook:

• 2–3 minutes per side, until lightly pink

Important:
Do not fully cook the shrimp yet. Remove them early so they stay tender when added back later.

Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

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2. Deglaze with White Wine (Optional but recommended!)

Pour in the ½ cup dry white wine, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan.

Simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow alcohol to evaporate. This adds tremendous depth of flavor.

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3. Add Broth, Pasta & Remaining Butter

Return the pot to medium-high heat and pour in:

• 4 cups chicken broth

• The dried pasta (break in half if needed)

• Remaining ¼ cup butter

Bring to a boil.

The pasta will soften, bend, and cook directly in the broth — absorbing delicious flavor as it simmers.

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4. Simmer the Pasta

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer:

• 10–12 minutes

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking

As the pasta cooks, it releases natural starch, helping thicken the sauce.

When the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced, you’re ready for the next step.

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5. Stir in Cream, Parmesan & Lemon Juice

Uncover and stir in:

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Stir until the sauce turns:

• Velvety

• Creamy

• Smooth

• Slightly thickened

If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

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6. Return Shrimp to the Pot

Add the partially cooked shrimp back into the pasta.

Gently toss and heat through for 1–2 minutes — just until shrimp are fully cooked.

Avoid overcooking, or shrimp may become rubbery.

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7. Garnish & Serve

Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve hot with:

• Extra Parmesan

• Cracked black pepper

• Lemon wedges

• A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil (optional)

Enjoy this luxurious One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta immediately for the best texture!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal.

Perfect Add-ons

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette

• A crisp Caesar or garden salad

• Roasted asparagus or green beans

• Lemon wedges on the side

Wine Pairing

If you enjoy wine, serve with the same white wine used in cooking:

• Pinot Grigio

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Chardonnay (unoaked)

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🔄 Recipe Variations for One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences.

✔ Add Veggies

Try adding:

• Spinach

• Cherry tomatoes

• Broccoli florets

• Peas

• Zucchini slices

Add them during the last few minutes of pasta cooking so they stay vibrant and crisp.

✔ Swap the Protein

Don’t love shrimp? Try:

• Chicken breast (sliced thin)

• Scallops

• Salmon bites

• Italian sausage

• A mix of seafood (like a mini seafood pasta)

✔ Make It Spicier

Increase red pepper flakes or add:

• Cajun seasoning

• Chili crisp

• Smoked paprika

✔ Make It Lighter

Replace heavy cream with:

• Half-and-half

• Coconut milk (for a twist)

• A swirl of Greek yogurt at the end (off heat)

✔ Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free linguine and ensure the broth and Parmesan are GF-certified.

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❄️ How to Store & Reheat One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Refrigerate

Store leftovers in an airtight container for:

• 2–3 days

Reheat

Warm gently on the stovetop with:

• A splash of broth

• A splash of cream

This restores the sauce’s smooth consistency.

Freezing (Not Recommended)

Cream-based pastas can separate when frozen, affecting texture.

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🧠 Pro Tips for the Best One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Here are expert-level tricks to achieve consistently amazing results:

⭐ 1. Don’t overcook shrimp

Remove them early — they finish cooking when added back to the hot pasta.

⭐ 2. Use fresh Parmesan

Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt smoothly.

⭐ 3. Stir pasta frequently

This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

⭐ 4. Lemon is essential

It cuts through the richness and keeps the dish bright.

⭐ 5. Keep the sauce slightly loose

It thickens as it cools — perfect results every time.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Can I substitute chicken broth?

Vegetable broth works too, but broth helps infuse rich flavor into the pasta.

Can I omit the heavy cream?

Yes. Use half-and-half or extra broth, though the sauce will be lighter.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Stir every 2–3 minutes while simmering.

Can I use short pasta?

Yes — penne, bowtie, or rotini will work, but long pasta gives the best creamy texture.

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Nutrition (Approx.)

• Calories: 650

• Protein: 35g

• Carbs: ~65g

• Fat: ~30g

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is everything a home-cooked meal should be — comforting, rich, flavorful, and simple. It delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or whenever you crave a creamy pasta loaded with shrimp and garlic butter goodness.

The fact that it’s made in one pot is the ultimate bonus. Less cleanup, more flavor, and a silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner wanting to impress, this dish never disappoints.

The balance of butter, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan creates a luxurious sauce that feels indulgent yet fresh — a combination that keeps you coming back for more. Serve it hot, garnish generously, and watch how fast it disappears.

If you’re building your collection of easy, high-impact recipes, this One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta deserves a permanent spot on your weekly rotation.