One Pot Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pasta Recipe

• So flavorful. One of the things I love most about this recipe? The pasta is actually cooked IN the sauce. The pasta absorbs a ton of flavor from the sauce, so it’s infused with rich, tomato-y goodness.
• Creamy (sans cream!). As the pasta cooks, it releases starches into the sauce, thickening it and making it nice and “creamy” with no need for added dairy.
• Perfectly cooked shrimp. The shrimp is added towards the end of the cooking time and only needs a few minutes to cook to tender perfection.
• All in one pot. I love a good one-pot recipe. It makes it easier to keep track of what’s going on in the kitchen and cleanup is SO much easier.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to make this shrimp pasta. Don’t forget to scroll down to the recipe card for a printable list of ingredients.

• Butter – I like using salted butter for a more flavorful sauce.
• Olive oil – You could use avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil of your choosing. Extra butter would also do the trick.
• Yellow onion – A white or red onion will also work. So would a couple of shallots.
• Garlic – Garlic paste would also work (see the back of the tube for how much to use instead of 3 garlic cloves). You can also use a teaspoon or so of garlic powder instead.
• Tomato sauce – I used “Bertolli Reserva Balsamic Vinegar and Caramelized Onions Sauce.” But, you don’t need to use that specific kind. Feel free to use your favorite pasta sauce.
• Chicken broth – Vegetable broth will also work. I use a low-sodium broth, so I have more control over the final flavor of the dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – I used 1 teaspoon, but you could use more or less depending on your spice preference.
• Linguine – While other pasta recipes are flexible in terms of what pasta shape you use, I suggest sticking with linguini here. If you do choose to go with a different pasta shape, just note that you may need to cook it for a bit longer and/or add a bit more liquid to the pot.
• Shrimp – I prefer peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience, but you can grab peel-on shrimp, then peel and devein them yourself.
• Fresh parsley – The parsley is an optional garnish. I love the pop of color and freshness it brings.

How to Make Shrimp Pasta

Got your ingredients? Time to start cooking! Here’s a basic rundown of how to make one of the best shrimp pasta recipes you’ve ever had:

• Caramelize the onions. Melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed inch skillet. Add the onions and saute for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic 5 minutes before the onions are done.
• Make it saucy. Add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and crushed red pepper.
• Cook the pasta. Add the linguine, turn the heat to medium-high, and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add the shrimp. 3-5 minutes before the pasta is done, stir in the shrimp and cook until opaque.
• Serve. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variation Ideas

• Use a different protein. If you’re not a shrimp person, feel free to swap it out for some cooked, cubed chicken or steak. Grilled scallops would also be amazing.
• Craving some veg? Add a handful of sliced mushrooms or zucchini to the skillet about halfway through caramelizing the onions. Or, add a handful or two of baby spinach just after you add the shrimp.
• Make it extra creamy. If you prefer a creamier tomato sauce, leave out 1/2 cup of broth and stir an equal amount of heavy cream into the sauce just before adding the pasta.

Tips for Success

• Pick the right pot. I used a large 10-inch skillet with a tall rim. You want the pasta to have plenty of room to wiggle so that it cooks evenly in the sauce. I also suggest using something with a nice, heavy bottom. If your skillet/pot is too thin, the pasta will cook unevenly and will likely burn and/or stick to the bottom.
• Break your pasta in half. Trust me. If you try to keep it whole, it won’t fit well in the skillet, and you won’t be able to stir it around properly (see my next point).
• Keep things moving. When cooking the pasta in the sauce, stir frequently to help keep the noodles from sticking together (or to the bottom of the pan).
• Add extra cooking liquid. Keep an eye on the pasta. If it starts to dry out before it’s cooked to al dente, stir in a little extra liquid (stock or water), 1/4-1/2 cup at a time. Continue until the pasta is cooked to your liking.

What Goes With Shrimp Pasta?

I love this simple pasta dish with a light salad and a crusty hunk of bread to mop up the sauce. Toss some simple baby greens with my Greek Salad Dressing and toast up a batch of this Epic Stuffed Garlic Bread while your pasta is simmering away.

How to Store and Reheat Extras

• Fridge: Once the pasta with shrimp has cooled completely, seal it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Allow your leftovers to thaw in the fridge (if applicable) before reheating them on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a little extra broth or water to loosen things up if needed. Otherwise, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until warm.

More Pasta Recipes to Try

• Crab Alfredo
• Shrimp Scampi Pasta
• Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta
• Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
• Easy Cheeseburger Pasta
• Taco Pasta