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Quick One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

quick one-pan garlic butter shrimp pasta - featured image

A fast, fuss-free one-pan garlic butter shrimp pasta that comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender shrimp, pasta cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, and a hint of lemon for a rich yet bright flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti pasta
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley. Set these aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat evenly. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Cook until garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the dry pasta all at once, pressing it down gently to submerge. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover partially. Let the pasta cook, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes depending on pasta choice.
  4. When the pasta is about halfway cooked (after about 5 minutes), nestle the shrimp into the pasta and broth mixture. Stir gently to distribute. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
  5. Once pasta is tender and shrimp cooked, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, heavy cream (if using), and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 2 minutes. Add more broth or cream if sauce looks dry.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, and give a final gentle toss. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Keep the heat moderate when sautΓ©ing garlic to avoid burning. Use room temperature shrimp for even cooking. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking. If sauce is too thin, simmer a little longer; if too thick, add broth or cream. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables. For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and plant-based butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, garlic butter shrimp, one-pan pasta, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal, creamy shrimp pasta