If you are looking for a dish that brings together the perfect blend of buttery richness, garlicky aroma, and tender shrimp all in one satisfying meal, the Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp One-Pot Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe takes the stress out of cooking by combining everything in a single pot, making clean-up a breeze while delivering bold flavors that taste like a restaurant-quality dish. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and straightforward process, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and revisit on busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. Each component is simple but plays an important role, balancing taste, texture, and appearance to make this meal truly shine.
- Shrimp, 1 pound: Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and quick cooking; fresh or thawed from frozen both work wonderfully.
- Butter, 4 tablespoons (unsalted): This creates the lush, silky base for the garlic sauce and carries all the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Fresh garlic adds that signature punch and fragrant aroma essential for the dish.
- Chicken broth, 1 cup: Provides moisture and depth, while keeping the sauce light and savory; opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.
- Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens the dish with a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: These basic seasonings enhance every ingredient and bring out the natural flavors.
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of green that adds a fresh visual appeal and a mild herbal note.
- Optional – pasta or rice: To turn this shrimp dish into a complete, satisfying meal by adding a bed of carbs.
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp One-Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure your shrimp is thawed if frozen and thoroughly patted dry to prevent excess liquid. Mince the garlic finely and chop the parsley so you’re ready to go when it’s time to cook. Having everything prepped ahead makes the cooking flow smoothly without any last-minute scrambling.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt completely until it becomes foamy and takes on a light golden brown color, intensifying the buttery flavor and setting the stage for that dreamy garlic base.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Immediately add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. Cooking the garlic slowly helps release its natural oils and ensures you get that fragrant, slightly toasted aroma without burning it, which would turn bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper to highlight their natural sweetness. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink, then flip them to cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are opaque and perfectly tender without becoming rubbery.
Step 5: Add Broth and Lemon Juice
Pour the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the shrimp. Stir everything together while scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift those delicious browned bits, adding extra flavor and richness to your sauce.
Step 6: Simmer and Reduce
Let the broth simmer gently for a few minutes. This step thickens the sauce slightly and allows the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary — a little tweak here or there makes the dish perfect for your palate.
Step 7: Incorporate Pasta or Rice (Optional)
If you want a heartier meal, toss in cooked pasta or rice at this point. Gently stir to coat everything evenly with the luscious garlic butter sauce that ties the dish together beautifully.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor, and serve immediately. Don’t forget extra lemon wedges on the side for those who love an extra citrusy kick!
How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp One-Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is a simple yet elegant garnish that adds a vibrant green contrast and a hint of fresh flavor. You can also serve with lemon wedges for a customizable citrus boost that brightens up every bite.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve this shrimp over fluffy white rice, creamy risotto, or al dente pasta. A light side salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans pairs nicely, bringing freshness and added texture to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dish in shallow bowls for a cozy dinner or on a large platter family-style to encourage sharing. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. You can even turn it into a garlic shrimp crostini appetizer by spooning the shrimp and sauce over toasted baguette slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp should stay fresh for up to 2 days, but because of the seafood content, try to enjoy it sooner rather than later for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Keep in mind the texture of the shrimp can change after freezing and reheating, so it’s perfect for short-term storage only.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Adding a splash of broth or water will help restore moisture in the sauce and keep the shrimp tender rather than rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works great as long as you thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. This prevents excess water from diluting the sauce and ensures even cooking.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water mixed with a bit of lemon juice and seasoning. The broth adds depth, but these alternatives still result in a tasty dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp One-Pot Recipe is mild and focuses on buttery and garlicky flavors. However, you can easily add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick if you like.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free if you serve it without pasta or with gluten-free pasta or rice, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
Shrimp cooks very quickly — usually 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye on the color change as a guide.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp One-Pot Recipe is an absolute winner whenever you want a delicious, fuss-free meal that feels special. Its rich garlic butter sauce combined with tender shrimp creates something truly comforting, making it a favorite to cook and share with loved ones. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
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Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp One-Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp One-Pot Recipe is a flavorful and quick seafood dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with a bright splash of lemon and fresh parsley. The recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and can be served over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Protein
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Optional
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thaw and pat dry the shrimp if frozen. Mince the garlic cloves and chop fresh parsley for garnish.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes foamy and turns a light golden brown, signaling the perfect stage for garlic flavor infusion.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, careful not to burn it.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until the shrimp turn pink, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through.
- Add Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the skillet bottom.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes until the broth slightly thickens and flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine with Pasta or Rice: If using, add cooked pasta or rice to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the garlic butter lemon sauce ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the shrimp with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Notes
- You can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw and dry them well to avoid excess water in the skillet.
- Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness more precisely.
- For a richer flavor, brown the butter slightly before adding garlic to get a nutty, deeper taste.
- This dish pairs beautifully with linguine, spaghetti, or steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce; avoid bottled lemon juice for best taste.
- Ensure not to overcook shrimp to maintain tender texture.
