Description
This easy one-pot garlic butter shrimp pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp, silky pasta, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce make this dish a weeknight hero with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Mince garlic, zest and juice the lemon, chop parsley, and grate Parmesan.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add another tablespoon butter and the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add pasta, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered, stirring often, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes. Add more broth or hot water as needed.
- Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, half the Parmesan, and all the lemon juice. Toss until pasta is glossy and coated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Return shrimp (and any juices) to the pan. Toss gently to combine and warm through. Sprinkle with parsley and remaining Parmesan.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges, parsley, and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For best results, use fresh garlic and avoid overcooking the shrimp. Stir pasta often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth if the sauce gets too thick. For extra flavor, swirl in a teaspoon of cold butter just before serving. Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe (generous bowl)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, one-pot pasta, shrimp pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta, weeknight meal, seafood pasta, 30 minute meal