Garlic Shrimp Pasta (Easy One Pan Dinner)
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Andy Hay
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There are dinners that feel like a treat… and then there are dinners you can actually pull off on a Tuesday night. This garlic shrimp pasta recipe is both. It’s fast, loaded with bold flavor, and comes together in one skillet with minimal cleanup. Think tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky sauce built from garlic, butter, and a splash of pasta water. If you’re looking for a go-to shrimp orzo recipe that works for weeknights and a romantic date night, this is it.
At A Glance
- Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Time: ~30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why You’ll Love It: One pan, big flavor, minimal cleanup
- Best For: Weeknights, hosting, date nights
- Bonus: Works with orzo, spaghetti, or linguine
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp
- 20-30 frozen shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
For the Orzo
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups orzo
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- lemon zest
Instructions:
- Start with the shrimp. Toss the shrimp with olive oil and seasonings. Sear in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes, then remove.
- In the same pan, add olive oil, garlic, and onions. Sauté over low heat until softened.
- Add orzo and toast for a minute. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and stir in cream, parmesan, spinach, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in fresh basil and return the shrimp to the pan.
- Top with lemon zest, cracked pepper, and additional parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment!
Cozy Comfort Meets Everyday Cooking
Cooking like this is all about building layers of flavor without overcomplicating things. The base of this garlic shrimp pasta starts with garlic in olive oil, then shrimp, then a simple but powerful liquid combination that turns into a glossy sauce.
Whether you’re using orzo, spaghetti, or linguine, the result is always the same: a rich, satisfying bite that feels restaurant-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- One Pan Wonder: Everything happens in one pan — fewer dishes, more time to enjoy.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish in about 30 minutes.
- Flexible: Swap in different pasta shapes or add vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Crowd-Pleaser: One of those pasta recipes that works for any occasion.
Building Layers of Flavor In This Garlic Shrimp Pasta
The secret to a great garlic shrimp recipe is layering.
Start by seasoning shrimp with salt and pepper, then pat dry with a paper towel so they sear properly.
Cook them in a hot skillet until golden, then remove them — this leaves behind flavor in the now-empty pan.
Add garlic and let it gently cook over medium heat, then deglaze with a bit of liquid. A splash of reserved pasta cooking water (or regular pasta water) helps create a silky base.
As everything comes together, stir in butter to melt butter into the sauce and create richness. Finish the garlic shrimp pasta with lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh herbs like fresh parsley.
The Right Pasta For The Job
What makes this garlic shrimp pasta recipe so versatile is the pasta.
Follow package instructions and cook until al dente — that perfect bite matters.
- Use spaghetti or linguine for a classic feel
- Use orzo if you’re leaning into easy orzo recipes
- Reserve a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce
That starchy water is key — it helps the sauce cling to every strand.
A Finishing Touch of Freshness For Your Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Right before serving, hit it with fresh herbs and a final crack of pepper.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or pasta water to bring it back to life.
Each bite should feel balanced — rich, bright, and full of flavor.
This garlic shrimp pasta is great on its own, but pairing it with something fresh takes it even further.
A crisp green salad works beautifully. A great option is this — it brings a lighter, brighter feel to the table and pairs perfectly alongside this dish.
Storage & Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheat gently with a splash of water or pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave, but stir halfway through for even heating.
This garlic shrimp pasta is best enjoyed within a couple of days from the refrigerator.
Shrimp Orzo Recipe FAQ‘s
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
What pasta works best?
Spaghetti and linguine are classic, but orzo works great for a shrimp orzo recipe twist.
Why save pasta water?
It helps create a silky sauce that sticks to the pasta.
Can I make this ahead?
It’s best fresh, but reheats well with a little added liquid.
How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?
Cook just until pink — they finish cooking when added back to the pan.
Why You’ll Crave This Year-Round
This garlic shrimp pasta isn’t just comfort food — it’s a go-to.
It’s quick, flexible, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or planning a romantic date night, this dish delivers every time.
So grab your pan, boil water, and get cooking. This one’s going into your regular rotation.
Other Recipes You Will Love!
Andy Hay
Andy is the founder of ECK, Chef, and let’s admit it… the reason you’re here. He taught himself to cook, and it all paid off when he secured his spot in the season 5 Finale of Master Chef Canada. Now, Andy uses his big energy to showcase recipes that actually make people want to cook. His brand was built on butter and East Coast charm, and Andy’s kept that same energy ever since. Off-camera, you’ll find him doing what started it all: cooking for his two daughters, wife and the people he loves.
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48 Comments
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Trying this one tonight – looks delicious. Where did you get that wonderful pot you always use? It’s so nice!
I think this was a gift, Rebecca! Agree-it’s a good one!
Made this last night and it was delicious! I didn’t have any cream, so I used a couple of tbs of cream cheese. I also added a bit more spinach because my husband has a palette like a small child and will only eat certain veggies 😁. I will most definitely make this again!
Love the swap, Maria and so glad everyone enjoyed it!
Crazy good. Seriously!
The creamy garlic orzo is also a fantastic base for perfectly braised scallops. Or as an accompaniment to anything, really. Addictive, layers of flavour; and that final touch of basil really does make a huge difference. It is so tasty and easy that it has a place in my recipe collection INDEPENDENTLY. It’s that good!
Wow—thank you, Karen! Love the idea of pairing it with scallops. So glad it earned a permanent spot in your recipe collection!
Substituted chicken for shrimp and it was great!
Love that swap, Lynn—shrimp sounds like a delicious twist! So glad it worked out!
Hey Andy, love your work and trying this recipe tomorrow evening. Do I read it correctly that we’re to use Frozen (unthawed) shrimp?
Thanks for clarifying.
Hi David, I would thaw the frozen shrimp to avoid excess liquid! I’ll be sure to make a note on the recipe page. Thanks!