One Pot Shrimp Pasta

One Pot Shrimp Pasta is the perfect recipe for a quick yet flavorful meal that combines fresh seafood with the creamy richness of pasta. This dish saves time with minimal cleanup while delivering a restaurant-quality dinner in just one pot. The combination of tender shrimp, al dente linguine, and a creamy garlic sauce makes it a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this shrimp pasta is sure to impress. The added benefit of using one pot means that even beginners can easily master this dish. Not only does it offer the convenience of fewer dishes, but it also allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Plus, you can customize it by adjusting the spice level or switching to vegetable broth for a lighter option.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Saute garlic

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

Step 2: Add pasta and broth

Pour 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you want a lighter dish) into the pot. Once the broth is added, place 12 oz of linguine pasta into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to make sure the pasta is submerged and cooking evenly. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly cooked but still has a slight bite (al dente).

Step 3:Cook shrimp and tomatoes

When the pasta is almost done, stir in 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp along with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. The shrimp will cook quickly, turning pink and firm within 3-4 minutes. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery if left too long.

Step 4: Finish with cream and cheese

Once the shrimp is fully cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, which should take another 2-3 minutes. The cream and Parmesan cheese will provide a rich and velvety texture to the sauce, creating a delicious coating on the linguine and shrimp.

Step 5: Season and garnish

After the sauce has thickened, season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, garnish the dish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish. The parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a slight earthiness that complements the richness of the sauce.

Cooking Notes:

• Broth Options: While chicken broth adds a savory depth of flavor, vegetable broth can be used for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, omit the red pepper altogether, or increase the quantity for a spicier kick.
• Pasta Types: Linguine works beautifully in this recipe, but feel free to substitute it with other pasta types such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this One Pot Shrimp Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal. The crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce, and a salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish. For a more elaborate dinner, you can pair this pasta with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the seafood and creamy sauce.

Tips:

1. Shrimp Preparation: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thawed completely before adding them to the pasta. You can quickly thaw shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes.
2. Cooking the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks in the broth. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pasta will absorb much of the broth, which is what makes the sauce thick and flavorful.
3. Lighter Version: For a lighter version of this dish, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace it with half-and-half. This will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 470 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 820mg

FAQs:

Q1: Can I use a different type of seafood instead of shrimp?
Yes, this recipe works well with other types of seafood like scallops or chunks of white fish such as cod. Be mindful of the cooking times, as different seafood may require different cooking durations to avoid overcooking.

Q2: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even milk, though the sauce will be less creamy. To thicken it, consider adding a little bit of cornstarch mixed with water.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can be great additions. Just add them when you stir in the shrimp and tomatoes so they cook evenly.

Q4: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can easily swap the linguine with gluten-free pasta. Ensure to check the package instructions for cooking times as gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower than regular pasta.

Q5: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers. The texture of the shrimp and pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating. To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Conclusion:

One Pot Shrimp Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings the best of Italian and seafood flavors together in one pot. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or even special occasions. The creamy sauce, fresh shrimp, and al dente pasta create a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick dinner, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Print