One-Pot Shrimp Pasta 🍤🧄🍅🍝 Creamy, Saucy, and Weeknight-Ready With Big Flavor and Minimal Cleanup

This dish is a one-pan wonder — shrimp, garlic, pasta, and sauce all come together in a single pot that practically makes itself.

As the pasta simmers, it releases starch into the sauce, creating that luscious, creamy finish without needing heavy cream or multiple steps. It’s cozy, quick, and made for nights when you want less mess and more flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the pasta and sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or seafood stock
• 1½ cups milk or half-and-half
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 8 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

To finish

• Chopped parsley or basil
• More Parmesan
• Lemon wedges or drizzle of chili oil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the shrimp
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic
Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same pot and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the liquid base
Add broth, milk, crushed tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer the pasta
Add dry pasta to the pot. Stir, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pasta should be al dente and sauce thickened.

Step 5: Add cheese and shrimp
Stir in Parmesan and return shrimp to the pot. Simmer 1–2 more minutes uncovered until shrimp is warmed and sauce is creamy.

Step 6: Serve straight from the pot
Top with herbs, extra cheese, and a squeeze of lemon or drizzle of oil if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Use coconut milk instead of dairy for a tropical twist
• Add spinach or kale toward the end for greens
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for depth
• Swap shrimp for crab, scallops, or diced salmon
• Add a splash of white wine with the garlic for acidity

Pro Tips

• Use short pasta that holds up to simmering and absorbs sauce well
• Stir every few minutes to keep pasta from sticking
• Don’t overcook the shrimp — sear first and finish gently
• Parmesan thickens and emulsifies the sauce — don’t skip it
• If sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of stock or milk

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Shrimp Pasta is the definition of low effort, high reward — creamy, flavorful, and infinitely riffable. It delivers serious comfort without the pile of dishes, and always tastes like you worked harder than you did.

Sear it. Simmer it. Scoop it straight from the pot. 🍤🧄🍅🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.