Save This One-Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp is my go-to recipe for nights when I crave something rich and comforting but need it on the table fast. Velvety garlic butter sauce clings to every strand of fettuccine while juicy shrimp soak up all the savory flavors. The whole meal comes together using just one pan so cleanup is painless.
My friends always marvel at how restaurant-worthy it tastes with so little effort. I made this on a hectic weeknight and now it has become my most requested quick dinner from everyone who has tried it.
Ingredients
- Dried fettuccine: brings classic Italian comfort and holds sauce beautifully Choose the best you can find for the best texture
- Raw shrimp: ensure succulence and sweetness Look for shrimp that smell fresh and are firm to the touch
- Chicken broth: infuses savory depth and keeps the pasta moist Choose a low-sodium option for better control over saltiness
- Unsalted butter: gives a rich silky base and allows you to adjust seasoning to taste Choose high-quality butter for the best flavor
- Fresh garlic: adds warm aromatic notes and complexity Use plump firm cloves for the brightest taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese: melts into the sauce providing nutty saltiness Always use a block and grate it yourself for the smoothest texture
Instructions
- Sauté and Simmer:
- Place uncooked fettuccine chicken broth butter and minced garlic into a large skillet over medium-high heat Bring mixture to a boil Your kitchen will smell amazing within minutes as the garlic infuses the broth
- Cook Pasta to Perfection:
- Reduce heat to medium and cook stirring occasionally until the pasta is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed This takes about ten to twelve minutes and it is important to keep the noodles moving so they do not stick
- Add and Cook the Shrimp:
- Add peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook for three to four minutes or until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through The shrimp will curl and turn opaque when ready Avoid overcooking for the most tender bite
- Finish with Parmesan:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly combined The sauce will thicken and become glossy Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor
Save Shrimp is my personal favorite ingredient here because it soaks up every drop of the garlicky sauce I still remember my husband’s eyes lighting up when I first handed him a bowl of this It has since become our special occasion meal
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating Use a nonstick skillet over low heat for best results rather than a microwave so the shrimp stays tender
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap fettuccine for spaghetti linguine or any long pasta you have available If shrimp is not your thing try chicken strips or scallops For a vegetarian version omit the shrimp and add broccoli or mushrooms for a satisfying twist Plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast can mimic the savory finish
Serving Suggestions
Top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a burst of lemon zest to brighten the dish A big leafy salad and crusty bread for soaking up the sauce make this a complete meal For extra luxury serve with a glass of chilled white wine
Cultural and Historical Context
The classic pairing of seafood garlic and pasta is beloved in Mediterranean cuisine One-pot pastas are cherished by Italian home cooks for their easy preparation and deep flavors Shrimp’s quick cooking time has made it a staple in Italian-American kitchens for decades
Seasonal Adaptations
Add cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness in summer Toss in spinach during the last two minutes of cooking for a green boost in spring In winter include a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth and zest
Success Stories
This recipe has rescued so many weeknights for me A friend once called me a dinner magician after tasting it for the first time A reader wrote in and said her picky child asked for seconds something that never happens with shrimp
Freezer Meal Conversion
Pasta dishes with seafood are best fresh but if you must freeze cook everything except the shrimp Let cool store in freezer bags and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for a nearly fresh result Always freeze the noodles slightly undercooked so they hold up upon reheating
Save I learned the hard way to keep a close eye on the shrimp once they hit the pan Even a minute too long can turn them rubbery so set a timer and trust the color change
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, spaghetti or linguine also work well, although cooking times may vary slightly.
- → Should I use fresh or frozen shrimp?
Either fresh or thawed frozen shrimp can be used, as long as they are peeled before cooking.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking and make sure there is enough liquid in the skillet.
- → Can I substitute chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or seafood stock can be used as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- → What garnishes pair well with this dish?
Chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest offer freshness and enhance the flavors.