One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Seafood lovers, rejoice! This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a dish that delivers elegance, flavor, and comfort without the fuss of complicated cooking. Imagine tender shrimp simmered in a buttery garlic sauce, tossed with pasta that absorbs every drop of flavor. Best of all, it’s made in one pot, which means easy cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

What makes this recipe so irresistible is its simplicity. Shrimp cooks quickly, pasta soaks up a garlic-infused broth, and the butter and Parmesan create a velvety coating that feels indulgent yet light enough for weeknight dinners. It’s one of those recipes that feels restaurant-worthy but can be made in under 30 minutes at home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups chicken or seafood broth
• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (2–3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, add another tbsp butter. Sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
3. Simmer Pasta: Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
4. Create Sauce: Stir in cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, remaining butter, and heavy cream (if using). Toss until pasta is coated and sauce thickens slightly.
5. Finish with Shrimp: Return shrimp to the pot, add lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir gently until heated through.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta

This recipe brings together the briny sweetness of shrimp, the richness of garlic butter, and the comfort of pasta. The one-pot technique means pasta cooks directly in the broth, absorbing flavor while releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce. It’s a weeknight win that feels gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Variations & Tips

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes for a fiery version.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan.
• Lighter Option: Skip the cream for a more traditional garlic butter pasta.

One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A quick and creamy one-pot garlic butter shrimp pasta with Parmesan, lemon, and cherry tomatoes. Perfect for an easy yet elegant seafood dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Seafood

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cups chicken or seafood broth
• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 0.5 cup heavy cream optional
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• salt and black pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot
• Tongs
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large pot. Cook shrimp until pink, then remove and set aside.
2. Add onion and garlic with another tbsp butter. Sauté until softened.
3. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, and add pasta. Cook until al dente.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, remaining butter, and cream if using. Toss until creamy.
5. Return shrimp to pot. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir gently.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use fresh shrimp. Adjust cream amount for desired sauce thickness.