One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp

This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta brings creamy sauce and juicy shrimp together for serious weeknight comfort with almost no fuss. All the big flavors simmer gently in one skillet and you get a cozy dish that’s elegant enough for company but easy enough for Tuesday night. Every bite is silky with garlic butter and packed with plump shrimp and strands of fettuccine that soak up all the flavors.

The first time I made this pasta it was a busy week and I needed dinner on autopilot. Not only did everyone ask for seconds but the leftovers disappeared before lunch the next day. Now it’s my go-to when I want a meal that feels impressive but takes less than thirty minutes.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine pasta: Tender noodles soak up all the garlicky sauce Look for bronze-cut or rough-textured pasta for better cling
• Shrimp peeled: Plump and juicy seafood for a pop of protein Buy wild-caught if possible and make sure they are firm and smell fresh
• Chicken broth: Base for the creamy sauce Use low sodium for more control or homemade if you have it
• Butter: Lush richness for the sauce European-style gives a deeper flavor
• Garlic cloves minced: Sweetness and intensity at the heart of the sauce Use fresh rather than jarred for the best flavor
• Grated Parmesan: Adds backbone and creaminess to finish the sauce Real Parmigiano Reggiano is worth the splurge

Instructions

Combine in Skillet:

Place uncooked pasta chicken broth butter and garlic into a large skillet all at once so the pasta cooks in flavorful liquid

Simmer Pasta:

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer Stir often and let the pasta soften and soak up the broth about twelve to fourteen minutes

Add Shrimp:

When the pasta is nearly tender add the peeled shrimp Push them into the simmering liquid so they cook evenly Watch closely and cook until shrimp turn pink and just firm about three to five minutes

Finish Sauce with Parmesan:

Take the skillet off the heat Stir in grated Parmesan vigorously to melt into the buttery sauce creating a silky texture If you like add cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon

Serve:

Use tongs to twirl fettuccine onto warm plates Top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley if desired Serve immediately for best texture

I absolutely love the sweet smell of garlic hitting melted butter It fills the whole kitchen with anticipation My dad always said you cannot have too much garlic and I think of him every time I make this dish When we serve this pasta for family dinners everyone fights over the last bite

Storage Tips

This pasta is best hot from the skillet but leftovers keep covered in the fridge for up to two days To reheat add a splash of water or broth and warm gently over low heat to restore the sauciness Shrimp can be delicate so try not to overcook when reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of shrimp try chunks of cooked chicken or cubes of salmon For a vegetarian twist use sautéed mushrooms and vegetable broth You can swap the fettuccine for spaghetti or linguine or even short pasta if that is what you have

Serving Suggestions

A big leafy salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts the richness A slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up sauce For a hint of freshness sprinkle with lemon zest or chopped parsley before serving

Cultural and Historical Context

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a modern comfort dish inspired by Italian seafood classics and American one-pot meals The combination of pasta and shrimp in a single pan brings together tradition and convenience It is a nod to coastal cooking with a cozy weeknight twist

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring try adding fresh peas or asparagus Summer loves a handful of cherry tomatoes tossed in at the end Fall and winter call for wilted spinach or chopped sun dried tomatoes Do not be afraid to adjust based on what is in season

Success Stories

This recipe always surprises guests when I tell them it cooks in one pan My friend made it while camping with only a portable burner and said it was the best meal of their trip Every time I make it for my neighbors I get asked for the recipe at least twice

Freezer Meal Conversion

I would not recommend freezing the finished dish as shrimp and pasta can become mushy If you want a freezer shortcut prep cleaned shrimp and portioned pasta and store in bags Add the broth butter and garlic when ready to cook for a nearly instant meal

Make this pasta when you crave comfort and bold flavor without the hassle. It is sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with spaghetti, linguine, or another preferred pasta shape. Adjust cooking time as needed.

→ How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Add shrimp only when the pasta is almost cooked. Simmer just until shrimp turn pink and opaque for ideal tenderness.

→ What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or seafood stock work well and can subtly adjust flavor to your preference.

→ Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Try substituting plant-based butter and nutritional yeast for Parmesan, though flavor will slightly vary.

→ How do I add extra flavor or freshness?

Garnish finished pasta with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or freshly cracked black pepper for brightness.

→ Can I make this in advance?

This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated gently with a splash of broth if necessary.