One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

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When comfort food calls, nothing answers quite like a creamy, buttery bowl of pasta. This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is everything you crave in a cozy, satisfying dish. Rich with melted parmesan, golden seared shrimp, and tender pasta cooked in a luscious garlic-butter sauce—it’s hard to believe this all comes together in one pan with minimal fuss.

Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, this pasta delivers restaurant-style flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—an instant weeknight classic that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

• Quick and easy: Minimal prep and just one pan to wash.
• Flavor-packed: A rich, buttery sauce enhanced by garlic, parmesan, and a hint of herbs.
• Family-friendly: A dish that adults and kids will both love.
• Flexible: Swap the shrimp for chicken, add veggies, or make it meatless.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best in One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?

Short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or ziti works best in this dish because they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce beautifully. These shapes also allow the garlic-butter-parmesan blend to seep into every bite. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti, which can clump or overcook in one-pan recipes. Whole wheat or gluten-free varieties can be used, too—just adjust the liquid and cook time slightly.

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Ingredients for the One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a delicious role. Here’s what you need and why:

• Butter: The foundation of the sauce, it adds richness and depth.
• Garlic: Aromatic and savory, garlic infuses the butter with irresistible flavor.
• Shrimp: Provides a juicy, tender bite and cooks quickly in the pan.
• Rigatoni or Ziti Pasta: These shapes hold the creamy sauce perfectly and cook well in one pan.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Used to cook the pasta and create a flavorful base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luscious creaminess to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: The hero ingredient—sharp, salty, and melts into a creamy finish.
• Salt & Black Pepper: For balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Spinach (optional): Adds color, nutrients, and a touch of freshness.
• Fresh Parsley: For a burst of brightness and a beautiful finish.

How To Make the One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they are just pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of your creamy, savory sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Pour in the broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in your uncooked pasta, reduce the heat to medium, and cover. Let the pasta cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid if needed.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the cream and parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and silky.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Add the shrimp back into the pan along with spinach if using. Toss everything together until heated through. Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

This creamy pasta is best served hot, straight from the pan. The rich sauce thickens slightly as it rests, making each bite even more luscious. It serves 4 generous portions, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy dinner with leftovers for lunch.

To store, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture. It’s not ideal for freezing, as the sauce may separate.

What to Serve With One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crunchy, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly to soak up every bit of sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli adds a crispy, healthy side that complements the creaminess.

Grilled Asparagus

Light and crisp, asparagus offers a flavorful and elegant touch.

White Wine

A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.

Lemon Wedges

A squeeze of lemon at the table adds brightness and enhances the shrimp.

Cracked Black Pepper

Offer extra cracked pepper for those who love a little kick of heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This ensures they sear well and don’t add excess moisture to the pan.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, try unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream.

What other proteins can I use?

This recipe is incredibly flexible. Try diced chicken breast, Italian sausage, or even a can of white beans for a vegetarian twist.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much while standing, simply stir in a splash of warm broth or milk before serving to loosen it up.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime you need a cozy and quick meal idea.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use shrimp or try something different? Did you add veggies or keep it simple?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

You can also explore more delicious meal ideas on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally.

Conclusion

This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is the answer to easy, comforting dinners that don’t compromise on flavor. With just one skillet, you get creamy pasta, seared shrimp, and a rich buttery-parmesan sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. It’s quick enough for weeknights and special enough for weekends. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.

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