There’s something undeniably indulgent about shrimp pasta, and when you add garlic butter sauce to the mix, it becomes a dish that looks fancy enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. What makes this version even better? It’s all made in one pot, saving you time, effort, and cleanup. This simple recipe combines juicy shrimp, creamy pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking shrimp. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that golden sear.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter. Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the chicken or seafood broth, stirring to combine with the butter and garlic.

Bring the broth to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you want a bit of heat, now’s the time to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot with the garlic butter sauce. Pour in enough water to just cover the pasta, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

The pasta will soak up the garlicky broth, infusing every bite with flavor. As the pasta cooks, keep an eye on the liquid and add a little more water if necessary, ensuring that the pasta has enough liquid to cook properly.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. This will give the dish a creamy, velvety texture that balances the richness of the garlic butter. Add in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce and thickens it. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tip: The Parmesan cheese not only adds creaminess but also enhances the flavor of the dish, making it feel indulgent without the need for heavy cream alone.

Step 5: Return the Shrimp and Toss

Once the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce is creamy, return the cooked shrimp to the pot. Gently toss everything together, making sure the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes just to heat the shrimp through.

The shrimp should now be coated in the creamy, buttery sauce, and every bite will be a perfect combination of tender pasta and flavorful shrimp.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus that will brighten up the richness of the dish. The lemon adds a zesty contrast to the creamy garlic butter sauce, enhancing the flavor profile.

Garnish Tip: You can also add extra grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. A few sprigs of fresh basil or thyme can also add a fresh herbal note that complements the garlic butter sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this one-pot garlic butter shrimp pasta lies in its simplicity. It combines just a few key ingredients—shrimp, garlic, butter, pasta, and cream—but the result is a rich and flavorful dish that feels indulgent without being difficult to make. The use of chicken or seafood broth infuses the pasta with savory flavors, while the garlic butter sauce coats each noodle perfectly. The addition of shrimp adds protein and makes the dish feel fancy, but it’s still a quick and easy meal to prepare.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is best served fresh, but if you want to prep ahead, you can:

• Cook the shrimp and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, heat them gently in the sauce before tossing with the pasta.
• Prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply heat it up and add the pasta when ready to serve.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is versatile enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party or special occasion. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner with friends or a romantic evening for two, this one-pot garlic butter shrimp pasta will impress without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen.

The rich, garlicky butter sauce, creamy texture, and tender shrimp will make it a meal everyone will love. And with only one pot to clean, it’s as easy to enjoy as it is to make.