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One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is simple yet full of flavor. This dish takes only 25 minutes to make. You cook everything in one pot, which saves time and cleanup. It features shrimp, pasta, garlic, and fresh veggies. You'll love how easy it is to prepare a gourmet meal at home. - Pasta options: You can use 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Both work well and cook quickly. Choose what you like best. - Garlic and butter essentials: You will need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 4 cloves of minced garlic. These create a rich and tasty base for your dish. - Shrimp selection and preparation: Use 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp will do. Ensure they are thawed if frozen. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque for the best flavor. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups baby spinach - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) This list gives you all you need for a fantastic meal. Enjoy the process and the taste! 1. Melting butter and sautéing garlic Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell amazing. 2. Cooking shrimp to perfection Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside on a plate. 3. Combining pasta and broth In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté the tomatoes for about 2 to 3 minutes, until they soften. Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth. Now, add 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti or linguine. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. 1. Adding vegetables and seasoning Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally, so the pasta does not stick. You want the pasta to be al dente and most of the liquid should be absorbed. 2. Ensuring pasta is al dente Check the pasta for doneness. It should be firm but not hard. If it needs more time, cover and simmer a bit longer. 3. Incorporating shrimp and finishing touches After the pasta is cooked, add 2 cups of baby spinach, the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir until the spinach wilts. Now, return the cooked shrimp to the pot. Gently fold everything together. If you like, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Serve your One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta right away, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy! - Avoiding overcooked shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque. If they cook too long, they become tough. Keep an eye on them! - Best practices for cooking pasta: Use a large pot with enough water. Salt the water well before adding pasta. Stir the pasta to prevent sticking. Follow the package time for al dente. - Adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes: Start with 1 teaspoon if you prefer mild. You can always add more later. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat. - Garnishing with parsley and lemon: Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle on top. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. It adds color and flavor. - Pairing with side dishes: Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad complements the pasta well. It adds a nice crunch and balance. - Suggested wine or drink pairings: A crisp white wine works great with this meal. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer non-alcoholic, serve sparkling water with lemon. {{image_2}} Alternative seafood options If you want to mix it up, try using scallops or crab. These options add a sweet taste and a nice texture. You can even use white fish like cod or tilapia. Just cut them into small pieces for even cooking. Using different types of vegetables You can add more veggies for color and nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus work well. Just add them when you sauté the tomatoes. They will add crunch and flavor. Dairy-free versions and substitutes To make this dish dairy-free, skip the cheese. You can use a dairy-free butter instead. Other good options are olive oil or avocado oil. These swaps keep the dish rich and tasty. Adding herbs and spices Basil, thyme, or oregano can brighten up this dish. Just add a teaspoon or two during cooking. Fresh herbs also work well as a garnish. They add a burst of flavor and color. Incorporating different sauces Try adding some soy sauce or a splash of white wine. These ingredients can enhance the depth of flavor. A bit of lemon garlic sauce can also work wonders. Customizing heat levels with spices If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also try chili powder or cayenne for a different kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste to make it just right for you. To keep your One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta fresh, follow a few simple steps. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish mushy. Once cooled, transfer the pasta into an airtight container. - Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. - Make sure to label containers with the date for easy tracking. This dish can stay fresh in your fridge for about three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the pasta in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is key. You want to avoid a soggy texture that can happen with pasta. Here are some methods that work well: - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to help steam the pasta. Stir gently until warmed through. - Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a bit of broth or water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. These methods help keep your pasta moist without overcooking it. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. I recommend preparing it up to the point of adding the shrimp. Store the pasta in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, heat it gently. Then add the shrimp and finish cooking. This will keep the shrimp tender. This recipe is a one-pot meal. It combines pasta, shrimp, garlic, and butter. All the ingredients cook together. This method saves time and reduces cleanup. You get a tasty, creamy dish full of flavors without much fuss. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available. Just check the cooking time, as it may differ. You can also ensure that your broth is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. This blog post covered the tasty One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. I walked you through the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about ingredient swaps and flavor boosts, too. Storing and reheating tips ensure your meal stays fresh. The best part? You can make this dish your own with unique twists. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite! Your next meal will be a hit!

One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a delicious One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta that’s ready in just 25 minutes! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, garlic, and fresh spinach for a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. With simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, it's perfect for any weeknight dinner.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups baby spinach

1 lemon, juiced and zested

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).

    Add the shrimp to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn pink and opaque (approximately 2-3 minutes per side). Remove the shrimp and set aside.

      In the same pot, add the remaining butter and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

        Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and then add the uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

          Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

            Once the pasta is cooked, add the baby spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well until the spinach wilts.

              Return the cooked shrimp to the pot, gently folding everything together. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.

                Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls or plates, topped with additional parsley and lemon slices for a bright touch.