There is nothing quite as comforting and impressive as a dish that comes together effortlessly yet bursts with flavor from start to finish. The One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly that kind of recipe: a silky, luscious meal that marries tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta with a garlicky, buttery cream sauce—all made in one pot to save you time on cleanup. This dish brings the best of buttery richness, bright lemon zest, and the subtle kick of garlic and red pepper flakes into a harmonious meal that feels both elegant and cozy. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to weeknight wonder or your special occasion favorite.

One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients—this recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find staples that come together to create an extraordinary flavor and texture profile. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the pasta’s cream-enhancing starch to the fresh garlic and shrimp that build the sauce’s aroma and substance. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta: 1 pound of linguine or fettuccine dried pasta—the starch from long noodles is essential in crafting the creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every strand.
Shrimp: 1 pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp—fresh or thawed frozen adds a tender, sweet seafood touch that pairs beautifully with butter and garlic.
Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter—for rich, velvety sauce with that classic garlic butter flavor everyone loves.
Garlic: 6-8 cloves minced—the aromatic powerhouse that infuses every bite with a lively, robust flavor.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups low-sodium broth—a flavorful liquid base that cooks the pasta and blends all components into one cohesive dish.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup adds indulgent creaminess that makes this pasta feel luxurious without being heavy.
White Wine (Optional): ½ cup of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc brings bright acidity and depth that balances the richness perfectly if you choose to add it.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice—this fresh burst brightens the buttery sauce and lifts all the flavors beautifully.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ¼ teaspoon gives a gentle peppery kick that complements the garlic without overpowering the dish.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup chopped parsley adds a colourful herbaceous touch completing the presentation and flavor profile.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated plus extra for serving—brings savory umami and helps thicken the luscious sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and balancing all components.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons used for sautéing, adding fragrance and helping to cook garlic and shrimp without burning.

How to Make One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp

Start by heating olive oil and a quarter cup of butter in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté for just about a minute until that incredible aroma fills your kitchen. Toss in the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink but are not completely cooked through—they will finish cooking with the pasta. Remove the shrimp and set them aside to keep those juicy bites perfectly tender.

Step 2: Deglaze with White Wine (Optional)

If you’re using the white wine, pour it into the hot pan to deglaze, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly and remove most of the alcohol, leaving a wonderfully layered flavor in your sauce.

Step 3: Add Broth, Pasta, and Remaining Butter

Next, pour in your chicken broth and add your dried pasta. If you need, break long noodles in half so they fit comfortably in the pot. Don’t forget to add the remaining quarter cup of butter here—it will melt into the broth and give the base of your sauce that silky texture. Bring everything to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Pasta

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let your pasta cook for 10 to 12 minutes until it’s tender but still has a slight bite and most of the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring your noodles cook evenly and soak up all the garlic butter goodness.

Step 5: Stir in Cream, Parmesan, and Lemon Juice

When your pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce has thickened, remove the lid and stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh lemon juice. Stir vigorously until the cheese melts smoothly and your sauce becomes decadently creamy. If you find there’s too much liquid left, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reach that luscious consistency you’re craving.

Step 6: Return Shrimp and Finish

Carefully fold the cooked shrimp back into the pasta, giving everything a gentle stir to warm the shrimp without overcooking. After a minute or two, turn off the heat and stir in fresh parsley for a burst of vibrant color and fresh herb flavor. Add salt and black pepper to taste—this is your moment to perfect the seasoning before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

The final touch is a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and more parsley on top if you like. Now, get ready for a rich, creamy, garlicky feast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe, made hassle-free but tasting like a gourmet supper.

How to Serve One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and Parmesan are your classic garnishes here. The green from parsley brightens the look of the dish, while freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. For an extra pop, try adding lemon zest or a few chili flakes on top to enhance the flavors further.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands beautifully on its own but pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread slathered with butter to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan also balance the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and drizzle a little garlic butter sauce over each serving. You could also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch or add caramelized cherry tomatoes on top for a sweet, roasted contrast. If feeding guests, consider plating with a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh squeeze right at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce from thickening too much, store it separately if possible or stir in a splash of broth or water before reheating.

Freezing

While freezing pasta with cream sauces can be tricky because of texture changes, you can freeze the shrimp and broth base before adding cream and cheese. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing the sauce fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a bit of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened or separated. Stir often to warm evenly and keep the shrimp tender, avoiding overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan, which can dilute the flavors and make the sauce watery.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick and rich. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works but will impart a different flavor profile.

Is white wine necessary for this recipe?

White wine is optional. It adds a lovely depth and acidity to balance the butteriness, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can skip it and just use a little extra broth and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the linguine or fettuccine for a gluten-free pasta variety that cooks in a similar amount of time, and keep an eye on liquid absorption as gluten-free pastas behave differently.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add only a subtle heat that complements the garlic butter flavors without overwhelming them. You can adjust or omit the flakes according to your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that feels like a treat but is surprisingly effortless to prepare. The creamy, garlicky sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta will make it a staple in your rotation. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it with friends—it’s pure comfort and elegance in a bowl. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite!

One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Recipe