Description

This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate quick dinner recipe—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With juicy shrimp, creamy garlic butter sauce, and tender pasta, it’s all made in one pan for easy cleanup. Whether you’re looking for comforting food ideas, easy dinner inspiration, or rich pasta meals to impress, this dish is packed with flavor and simplicity. A perfect addition to your list of quick meals, pasta recipes, or dinner ideas for family and friends.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 ounces rigatoni or ziti pasta

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

2. Add remaining butter to the pan, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add pasta, reduce heat, cover, and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens.

5. Return shrimp to the pan, add spinach if using, and mix well until heated through.

6. Garnish with parsley and more parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use fresh parmesan, not the pre-shredded kind, for a smoother sauce.

Stir frequently while cooking pasta to avoid sticking.

Add more broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pan
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 recipe)
Calories: 540
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: easy dinner, pasta recipe, shrimp pasta, one pan meal, creamy pasta, comfort food