Some dinners demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor, and this one pot garlic butter shrimp fits right into that sweet spot. It’s the kind of meal you throw together after a long day, when you want something satisfying but don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe. The kitchen fills with the warm, inviting scent of garlic sizzling in butter, and each shrimp gets perfectly coated in a glossy, lemon-kissed sauce.
One evening, I remember juggling a phone call and trying to make dinner at the same time—my attention kept drifting away from the pan, but somehow the shrimp didn’t overcook. There’s something comforting about a dish that feels a little forgiving, like it knows you’re busy and just wants to make things easier. The fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright note that wakes up the buttery richness and makes the whole thing feel less heavy, even if I was a bit distracted while cooking.
- Ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for nights when time isn’t on your side.
- The garlic butter sauce is rich but balanced with a splash of lemon—simple, yet satisfying.
- Cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup, although it’s not the fastest meal if you’re starving immediately.
- It’s flexible enough to pair with pasta, rice, or even just crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Don’t worry if you’re not a pro at perfectly timing shrimp; this recipe is quite forgiving. Just keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t brown too fast, and you’ll have a dinner that feels effortless but tastes like you spent hours on it.
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One Pot Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and delicious one pot garlic butter shrimp recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and parsley.
Ingredients
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper.
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly opaque, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp.
Serve immediately, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Using just a skillet makes this recipe approachable—no need for fancy gadgets or multiple pots. I usually serve it over a bed of buttery noodles or alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Sometimes, I experiment with adding a pinch of smoked paprika or swapping parsley for basil, but honestly, the classic version is what I keep coming back to. If you want a little kick, a dash more crushed red pepper flakes works well, though I haven’t tested it extensively.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the pan.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice? Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh really brightens the dish.
How do I avoid overcooking shrimp? Keep the cooking time short and watch for the shrimp to turn pink and slightly opaque.
Can I make this ahead? It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently on the stove.
When dinner calls for something quick, flavorful, and comforting, this one pot garlic butter shrimp answers with buttery garlic goodness and a touch of lemony brightness. Give it a try, and let the simple flavors speak for themselves.