Go Back
- 8 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Gathering the right ingredients is key for this dish. First, you need the pasta, which can be either spaghetti or fettuccine. The choice is yours! Next, grab a pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking. For the base flavor, we’ll use unsalted butter and fresh garlic. The butter adds richness, while the garlic gives a wonderful aroma. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. They are optional but can spice things up. You’ll also need chicken or vegetable broth to cook the pasta. The broth infuses flavor into the noodles, making them taste great. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh spinach makes the dish healthier and adds a nice pop of green. Finally, for seasoning, we have lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Fresh parsley is perfect for garnish, and grated Parmesan cheese is a must for serving. Each ingredient plays a role in making this one-pot meal shine. 1. First, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. 2. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about one minute. The aroma will be amazing! 3. Now, add 1 pound of large shrimp to the pot. Season them with salt and pepper. 4. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes. They should turn pink. Remove them from the pot and set aside. 1. In the same pot, pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer. 2. Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. 3. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften. 1. Once the pasta is cooked, return the shrimp to the pot. 2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. 3. Toss everything gently until the butter melts and the shrimp warm through. 4. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like. This one-pot meal is quick and full of flavor! Enjoy making this dish. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color. Cook them until they turn pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If the shrimp curl tightly, they are overcooked. Always remove them from heat once done to keep them tender. For pasta, I like spaghetti or fettuccine. Both types soak up the sauce well. They also blend nicely with the shrimp. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthy swaps. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. For side dishes, I recommend a fresh green salad. A simple Caesar salad pairs well too. Steamed veggies, like broccoli or asparagus, add color and nutrients. When it comes to wine, a chilled white wine works best. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir is a nice choice. For plating, use deep bowls to serve the pasta. This helps keep the sauce contained. Top each bowl with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. It adds a pop of color and flavor. To create an appealing visual display, arrange shrimp on top of the pasta. Scatter cherry tomatoes for a bright touch. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for shine. This makes your dish look gourmet and inviting. {{image_2}} You can make this dish your own with simple swaps. Instead of shrimp, try chicken or tofu. Both options add protein and flavor. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. Want to boost the flavor? Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A sprinkle of oregano or thyme can bring a nice touch too. You can also toss in veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. They add color and nutrition to your meal. If you're looking for vegan options, replace shrimp with chickpeas or mushrooms. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. You can also reduce calories by cutting down on butter or using less pasta. These changes keep the dish light and tasty. To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents drying. Refrigerate it right away. Leftovers stay good for up to three days. Make sure to reheat it on low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir gently to mix everything well. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Portion it into smaller servings to make it easy to thaw. Leave space at the top, as the pasta expands when frozen. For thawing, move the container to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Reheat on low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to keep it creamy. You can prep this dish ahead of time for busy nights. Cook the shrimp and pasta but leave out the spinach and tomatoes. These ingredients are best fresh. Portion the meal into containers for easy grab-and-go meals. You can add fresh spinach and tomatoes right before serving. This way, the flavors stay bright and tasty. You can use spaghetti or fettuccine. Both types work well. They cook evenly and soak up the sauce nicely. If you want a twist, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just check the cooking time on the package. Absolutely! If you prefer less heat, leave out the red pepper flakes. You can also use less if you want a mild flavor. This dish is flexible and allows for personal taste. Add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. They boost color and nutrients. You can also toss in some avocado for healthy fats. This adds creaminess to the dish without extra calories. Pair your pasta with a light salad or garlic bread. A fresh Caesar salad complements the shrimp well. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water works great. To prep this dish ahead, cook the pasta and shrimp separately. Store them in airtight containers. When ready to eat, combine them with the sauce on the stove. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. This dish, One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, is simple and tasty. We covered the main and additional ingredients, plus seasonings. You learned how to prepare shrimp and pasta together. I shared tips on cooking, serving, and presentation. Variations offer fun twists, and storage ideas keep leftovers fresh. In the end, you can enjoy this quick meal any night. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in the flavors of One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta! This easy and delicious recipe combines succulent shrimp, creamy garlic butter, and fresh veggies all in one pot, making dinner a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's ready in just 20 minutes. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and elevate your dinner tonight with this mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    Add the shrimp to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.

      In the same pot, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

        About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add in the cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.

          Once the pasta is cooked, return the shrimp to the pot and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and lemon juice. Toss everything together gently until the butter is melted and the shrimp are warmed through.

            Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, topping each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.