One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Easy Creamy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Samantha
This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner made with tender shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and parmesan—all cooked in one pot for a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly meal. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or meal prep, it’s a simple pasta recipe that’s both nourishing and restaurant-worthy.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine American Comfort, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled & deveined
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Add chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
Once pasta is cooked, reduce heat, stir in parmesan, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Return shrimp to the pot, toss gently, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
Secret Tips for the Best One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
1. Use fresh shrimp for maximum flavor: Fresh or well-thawed shrimp bring out the best in this creamy shrimp scampi. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the garlic parmesan sauce.
2. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly—just 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink before finishing the pasta.
3. Toast the garlic in butter first: Sautéing garlic in melted butter deepens the flavor of the garlic butter pasta and gives the sauce that classic rich aroma.
4. Save some pasta water for the sauce: A splash of starchy pasta water helps thicken the garlic parmesan sauce and makes the shrimp pasta creamy without being heavy.
5. Add parmesan gradually: Stir in parmesan cheese slowly while whisking the sauce to prevent clumps and achieve a smooth, velvety garlic butter shrimp pasta.
6. Try wine for a restaurant-style twist: A splash of white wine added after the garlic cooks enhances the depth of flavor and makes this easy one-pot shrimp scampi taste gourmet.
7. Garnish right before serving: Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or even a squeeze of lemon brightens up the creamy pasta and balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
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