One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality pasta without the hours in the kitchen, this One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the perfect solution. Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with tender shrimp, it’s a comfort dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Cooking everything in a single pot means less cleanup and maximum flavor—each noodle soaks up the garlicky butter sauce, and the shrimp cook perfectly without drying out. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta 🦐🍝 is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner with tender shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, ready in just 30 minutes!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 plates

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Seafood

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Shrimp & Pasta

• 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese optional
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Zester or grater

Method

 

1. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add pasta and enough chicken or vegetable broth to cook noodles. Stir occasionally so noodles absorb liquid evenly.
4. When pasta is nearly tender, push noodles to the side and add shrimp. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Add lemon juice, zest, and optional parmesan cheese. Toss gently to coat pasta and shrimp in the garlicky butter sauce.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

This one-pot shrimp pasta is perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-pot convenience – minimal dishes, maximum flavor.
✔ Tender, juicy shrimp – perfectly cooked every time.
✔ Quick & easy – ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Family-friendly – kids and adults alike love it.
✔ Customizable – add veggies, chili flakes, or parmesan to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Shrimp – peeled, deveined, and preferably medium-sized for even cooking.
• Pasta – spaghetti or linguine works best; cooks right in the flavorful sauce.
• Butter & Olive Oil – creates a rich, luscious sauce.
• Garlic – the star of the dish, finely minced.
• Lemon Juice & Zest – adds brightness and balances the richness.
• Parmesan Cheese – optional but recommended for a cheesy finish.
• Fresh Parsley – garnish for color and freshness.
• Salt & Pepper – to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Shrimp

Season shrimp with a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Set aside.

2. Cook Pasta in Sauce

In a large skillet or pot, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add pasta and enough chicken or vegetable broth to cook the pasta. Stir occasionally so noodles absorb the liquid evenly.

3. Cook Shrimp

Once pasta is nearly tender, push it to the side and add shrimp to the pan. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

4. Finish the Sauce

Add lemon juice, zest, and optional parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and shrimp in the garlicky butter sauce.

5. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot directly from the pot for a rustic, family-style presentation.

Tips & Variations

💡 Veggie boost: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrients.
💡 Spicy version: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic for a kick.
💡 Creamy twist: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
💡 Make-ahead: Prep shrimp and garlic in advance, then assemble and cook quickly when ready.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to prevent pasta from drying out.
• Freezing: Not recommended as shrimp texture can degrade after freezing.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely before cooking to ensure even texture.

Q: Can I use other pasta types?
Absolutely! Penne or fettuccine work, but adjust liquid as needed.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it’s quick, one-pot, and minimal cleanup, perfect for busy nights.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, omit butter or parmesan and use olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp creates a deeply satisfying flavor that’s both light and indulgent. The one-pot method ensures every noodle is coated in the sauce, and cooking shrimp last guarantees they stay tender.

This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dish that tastes gourmet but cooks in minutes—perfect for weeknights, date nights, or any time you want a fuss-free, flavorful dinner.