It was a Tuesday evening, the kind where everyone is tired but also secretly craving something delicious and comforting. Rummaging through the fridge, I spotted some shrimp and a half-empty box of pasta. That’s when the idea struck – One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Honestly, I was skeptical about the “one-pot” claim at first, thinking it might be messy or compromise the flavor. But let me tell you, this recipe is a game-changer! From start to finish, it was incredibly easy, and the aroma that filled my kitchen was simply divine. Even my picky eaters, who usually turn their noses up at anything beyond plain noodles, devoured it. The creamy garlic butter sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and al dente pasta… it was a weeknight miracle. This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it a staple in our household now.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 1 pound of linguine or fettuccine pasta, dried. The starch released from long pasta varieties helps create a creamy sauce in a one-pot dish.
• Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Choose fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed) for the best flavor and texture.
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Butter is essential for richness and flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves of garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Broth cooks the pasta and creates the flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup of heavy cream. Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, making it luxurious.
• White Wine (Optional): ½ cup of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio). Wine adds depth of flavor and acidity to balance the richness of the butter and cream.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adds a subtle kick of heat to complement the garlic butter flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, umami, and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Used for sautéing the garlic and shrimp initially, adding flavor and preventing sticking.

Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large, deep skillet or pot (at least 12-inch diameter) over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ¼ cup of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Do not fully cook the shrimp at this stage, as they will continue to cook with the pasta. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Deglaze with White Wine (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a spatula or wooden spoon. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
3. Add Broth, Pasta, and Remaining Butter: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Add the dried pasta, breaking long strands in half if needed to fit comfortably in the pot. Add the remaining ¼ cup of butter to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta and your stove.
5. Stir in Cream, Parmesan, and Lemon Juice: Remove the lid and check the pasta. If it’s al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed but a creamy sauce has formed, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If there is still too much liquid, continue to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Return Shrimp and Finish: Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pasta and sauce. Heat through for another 1-2 minutes, until the shrimp are heated through and fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious one-pot garlic butter shrimp pasta!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, based on 6 servings – estimations may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories: 550-650 kcal
• Protein: 30-35g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes peeling shrimp, mincing garlic, chopping parsley, measuring ingredients)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (from sautéing garlic to finishing the pasta)
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Description: This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The streamlined one-pot method minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor in under 40 minutes from start to finish.

How to Serve

• Classic Side Salad: Pair with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the richness of the pasta. Arugula, mixed greens, or spinach salad works well.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are excellent vegetable sides that complement the shrimp pasta and add nutritional value.
• Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side for those who want an extra squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish further.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. The acidity in white wine cuts through the richness of the pasta and complements the shrimp.
• Appetizer before Pasta: Serve a light appetizer before the pasta, such as bruschetta, caprese salad, or a simple shrimp cocktail to create a complete meal.
• Romantic Dinner: This pasta is elegant enough for a romantic dinner at home. Set the table nicely, light some candles, and enjoy a cozy and flavorful meal.
• Family Weeknight Meal: It’s also perfect as a quick and satisfying family weeknight meal. Easy to make and loved by both adults and kids.

Additional Tips for Perfect One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Be sure to remove it from the pan after sautéing and add it back towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming rubbery. Overcooked shrimp is tough and loses its delicate flavor.
• Use the Right Size Pot: A large, wide skillet or pot is crucial for one-pot pasta dishes. It provides enough surface area for the pasta to cook evenly and for the sauce to reduce properly. A 12-inch diameter skillet or larger is recommended.
• Don’t Rinse the Pasta: Rinsing pasta after cooking removes the starch that is essential for creating a creamy sauce in this one-pot method. The starch released during cooking helps thicken the sauce naturally as the pasta absorbs the liquid.
• Adjust Liquid if Needed: Depending on your pasta and stove, you might need to adjust the amount of chicken broth. If the pasta absorbs all the liquid before it’s fully cooked, add a little more broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is creamy.
• Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder can be used in a pinch, fresh garlic provides a much more robust and aromatic flavor that is essential for this garlic butter shrimp pasta. Mince it finely or use a garlic press for best results.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
• Add Vegetables: You can easily add vegetables to this dish. Consider adding frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking, or sauté sliced bell peppers or spinach with the garlic at the beginning. Cherry tomatoes halved and added towards the end are also a delicious addition.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese are classic garnishes that enhance both the flavor and presentation of this dish. Don’t skimp on the garnish! A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving also brightens the flavors.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Q1: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use other long pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even bucatini. Shorter pasta shapes like penne or rotini can also work, but may require slightly adjusted cooking times and liquid amounts. Linguine and fettuccine are traditionally recommended for creamy sauces as their surface area helps absorb the sauce.

Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a convenient option. Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly thaw it under cold running water. Pat the thawed shrimp dry before sautéing to ensure it browns nicely.

Q3: I don’t have white wine. Can I still make this recipe?
A: Yes, the white wine is optional. If you don’t have it, simply skip it. The recipe will still be delicious. However, the white wine adds a layer of complexity and acidity that enhances the overall flavor. You can substitute it with a little extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for a similar effect.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce. Nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan cheese to add a cheesy flavor. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is also an option for quick reheating.

Q6: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare some components ahead of time. You can peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley in advance. However, it’s not recommended to fully cook the pasta ahead of time as it may become mushy when reheated. It’s best to cook and serve it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Q7: My sauce isn’t thickening, what should I do?
A: If your sauce isn’t thickening, continue to simmer the pasta uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring frequently. The starch from the pasta will naturally thicken the sauce as it reduces. You can also add a slurry of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water to the pot and stir until thickened. Make sure you have used enough Parmesan cheese, as it also contributes to thickening the sauce.

Q8: Can I add other seafood besides shrimp?
A: Yes, you can add other seafood like scallops, mussels, or clams in addition to or instead of shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as different seafoods cook at different rates. For example, scallops should be added towards the end of cooking like shrimp, while mussels and clams might need a bit longer to steam open in the pot. Ensure all seafood is cooked through before serving.

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