Save to Pinterest This creamy one-pot garlic butter shrimp pasta delivers all the indulgence of a restaurant meal in just half an hour, all from a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it brings together tender noodles, plump shrimp, and a rich parmesan garlic sauce with barely any cleanup.
My family devours this every time it hits the dinner table. The first time I made it, I was shocked at how few dishes I had to wash. It quickly became my go-to for impromptu dinner guests and lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- Fettuccine Pasta: brings sturdy texture that soaks up sauce beautifully choose bronze-cut for best bite
- Shrimp: peeled and deveined for tender protein fresh or frozen and thawed both work aim for firm and gently sweet shrimp
- Chicken Broth: creates backbone of the sauce go for low sodium and taste for seasoning
- Butter: adds creamy mouthfeel and glossy finish look for European style for extra richness
- Garlic Cloves: minced fresh garlic makes the sauce deeply aromatic use big cloves if your garlic is especially potent
- Grated Parmesan: melts best and brings a nutty finish grate it yourself for best melting and flavor
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- Place uncooked fettuccine pasta into a large skillet and pour in the chicken broth Add butter and freshly minced garlic Make sure the pasta is as submerged as possible so it cooks evenly
- Bring to Boil:
- Turn the heat to medium high and bring everything to a gentle boil Stir often to prevent the noodles from sticking together The butter will melt and the broth will get cloudy with garlic aroma
- Simmer Pasta:
- Lower the heat to medium and let the pasta cook until just shy of al dente Keep the pan uncovered This usually takes about ten to twelve minutes Stir the pasta every few minutes and add a splash of water if it looks too dry
- Add Shrimp:
- Nestle the shrimp into the simmering pasta Stir them through and keep cooking until the shrimp turn pink and opaque This happens fast usually three minutes so watch them closely
- Finish with Parmesan:
- Turn the heat off and immediately sprinkle the grated parmesan over the steamy pasta Stir until the cheese has melted and a creamy sauce coats the noodles Taste and add black pepper more parmesan or a pinch of salt if needed
- Serve:
- Twirl the pasta into bowls and top with extra parmesan If you love brightness add a shower of chopped parsley or a little lemon zest to finish
Save to Pinterest The butter always brings the nostalgia for me I remember my mom dotting extra over the finished pasta just before serving for maximum creaminess Now my kids ask for extra garlic and even beg to help sprinkle on the parmesan
Storage Tips
Leftover pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to two days Store it in an airtight container For best reheating add a splash more broth or water before microwaving to revive the creaminess
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap fettuccine for spaghetti linguine or short pasta if that is all you have Vegetable broth makes this dish pescatarian Friendly vegan butter and plant parmesan work for dairy free needs Try bay scallops or diced chicken breast in place of shrimp if you prefer
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with good olive oil cracked pepper and a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley Warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the garlic butter sauce A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a bright side
Cultural Connection
While not authentically Italian this pasta is inspired by American weeknight traditions where creaminess and seafood come together fast The idea of cooking everything in one pot echoes the ease and flavor merging Italian-American home cooks love
Seasonal Adaptations
Fresh peas or asparagus tips can be added with the shrimp in spring Chopped sun dried tomatoes lend savory tang in winter A swirl of baby spinach wilts right at the end for extra color and nutrients
Success Stories
My cousin made this for her book club and texted me a picture of the empty pot It is now her signature recipe for impressing friends without stress Once when my fridge was nearly bare adding frozen peas made the dish feel vibrant and springy
Save to Pinterest The first time you smell the garlic melting into butter you will understand why this recipe is such a crowd pleaser It looks fancy but is secretly very forgiving making it great for cooks of all levels
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, spaghetti or linguine also work well; adjust cooking times to maintain texture.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Add shrimp only when pasta is nearly tender; cook just until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute plant-based butter and omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative for creamy flavor.
- → What garnishes pair well with this meal?
Fresh parsley or lemon zest brighten flavors and add a pop of color at serving.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently. For best texture, enjoy within 2 days.