One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Easy Creamy Seafood Dinner

There’s something magical about making One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta in a small New York kitchen. I still remember the first time I cooked it in my tiny Queens apartment. After a long day, I wanted something comforting but elegant. So, I grabbed a skillet, fresh shrimp, garlic, and white wine. Within minutes, the aroma filled the room. That night, this One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta turned an ordinary evening into something special.

At Globe Recipe, I always believe dinner should feel cozy, simple, and satisfying. That’s exactly why this Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta has become one of my favorite go-to meals. It delivers bold garlic flavor, tender shrimp, and a light, silky sauce all in one pan.

If you love seafood dinners like my Rich Garlic Butter Seafood Soup or comforting bowls like Creamy Seafood Chowder, you’ll absolutely adore this pasta. It offers the same coastal comfort but comes together faster. Plus, unlike heavier cream-based dishes, this pasta stays fresh and balanced. In fact, it reminds me of the bold flavors in my Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce, but in a lighter, weeknight-friendly way.

This recipe proves that restaurant-style seafood belongs right at home.

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One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta


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  • Author: Naomi Clarke
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a creamy garlic seafood pasta made with tender shrimp, scallops, lemon, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. This easy 40-minute dinner delivers restaurant-style flavor with simple ingredients and one pan convenience.


Ingredients

Scale

5 ounces spaghetti (approx. 140 grams)

1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 pound scallops

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

35 cloves garlic, minced

1.5 cups cherry tomatoes

2 cups baby spinach

1/2 lemon, juice and zest

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper, to taste

Freshly grated parmesan, optional


Instructions

1. Thaw shrimp and scallops. Remove shells and tails. Pat dry. Mince garlic. Zest lemon first, then juice it.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear scallops for 2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly browned. Remove to a plate.

4. In the same pan, cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

5. Add another tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Reduce heat slightly. Cook garlic for 2 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 5 minutes until they burst. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

6. Turn off heat. Add cooked pasta, seafood, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

7. Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan if desired.

Notes

Pat seafood dry before cooking for best sear.

Do not overcook shrimp or scallops.

Use freshly grated parmigiano reggiano for best flavor.

Adjust lemon juice and salt to taste before serving.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Seafood

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 711
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 625mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 64g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 48g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta plated in white bowl

You’ll love this One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta because it combines simplicity with restaurant-quality flavor. First, everything cooks in one skillet. That means fewer dishes and less stress. Meanwhile, the pasta absorbs the garlic, white wine, and broth, creating a naturally creamy texture without heavy cream.

Second, the shrimp cook quickly and stay juicy. When you follow the timing carefully, you get tender seafood in every bite. If you enjoy bold shrimp recipes like my Easy One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Crab Boil or rich pasta dishes like Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo, this dish fits perfectly into your weekly rotation.

Finally, this Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta looks impressive. The pink shrimp, glossy noodles, and fresh parsley create a vibrant plate that feels special. Yet, you only need 30 minutes. So you get elegance without complication.

Ingredients Needed for One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta with White Wine

To make this One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you only need fresh, simple ingredients that build bold flavor without extra effort. This Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta combines tender shrimp and scallops with bright lemon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a balanced, restaurant-style result.

Seafood stays the star here, while garlic and olive oil create a light yet silky sauce. Meanwhile, cherry tomatoes add natural sweetness, and baby spinach brings color and freshness. Lemon zest and juice brighten every bite, and red pepper flakes add gentle heat. If you love layered seafood flavors like in my Cajun dishes, you’ll appreciate how these ingredients work together beautifully.

Use the table below for quick reference while cooking.

Ingredient Amount Purpose in Recipe
Spaghetti 5 oz (140g) Absorbs garlic seafood sauce
Shrimp 1/2 pound Tender seafood protein
Scallops 1/2 pound Sweet, buttery texture
Olive Oil 1/4 cup (divided) Creates silky garlic base
Garlic (minced) 3–5 cloves Builds bold flavor
Cherry Tomatoes 1.5 cups Adds sweetness + color
Baby Spinach 2 cups Fresh balance + texture
Lemon (juice + zest) 1/2 lemon Brightens creamy seafood flavor
Red Pepper Flakes 1/4 tsp Adds gentle heat
Salt + Pepper To taste Balances flavors
Parmesan (optional) Freshly grated Adds savory finish

How to Make One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta with White Wine

Making One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta feels simple when you follow these clear steps. First, prep everything so cooking flows smoothly. Pat the shrimp and scallops dry to help them sear properly. Mince the garlic, zest the lemon before juicing, and measure your ingredients.

Next, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear scallops for about 2 minutes per side until lightly golden and opaque. Remove them immediately to prevent overcooking. Then cook the shrimp in the same pan for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and tender.

After that, reduce the heat slightly. Add more olive oil, sauté the garlic gently, then stir in cherry tomatoes. Once they burst and release their juices, add spinach and cook until wilted.

Finally, turn off the heat. Combine pasta, seafood, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and remaining olive oil. Toss everything together. This Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta comes together beautifully with fresh flavor in every bite.

Use this table for a quick cooking overview:

Step Action Key Tip
1. Prep Thaw, dry seafood, mince garlic, zest + juice lemon Dry seafood for better sear
2. Cook Pasta Boil until al dente, drain Salt water well
3. Sear Scallops 2 minutes per side Do not overcrowd pan
4. Cook Shrimp 1–2 minutes per side Remove once pink
5. Cook Veggies Garlic → Tomatoes → Spinach Cook gently, avoid browning garlic
6. Combine Add pasta, seafood, lemon, oil, seasoning Toss well before serving
7. Serve Top with parmesan Serve immediately

Pro Tips for the Best One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta

One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta served with

To make your One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta truly shine, focus on technique. First, always pat the shrimp and scallops completely dry before cooking. Moisture prevents proper searing. Next, cook seafood in batches if needed. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and causes steaming instead of browning.

Also, remove scallops and shrimp slightly early. They will finish cooking when you combine everything at the end. This simple step keeps your Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta tender instead of rubbery.

Use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for bold flavor. If you enjoy rich garlic-forward meals like my Rich Garlic Butter Seafood Soup, you’ll appreciate how fresh garlic transforms this dish. Finally, taste before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed. Small tweaks make a big difference. For more one-pan inspiration, check out my One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice for another easy dinner win.

Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Serve One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta immediately while the sauce coats every strand beautifully. Top with freshly grated parmesan and extra lemon zest for brightness. A light drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor.

Pair this Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta with warm crusty bread to soak up the garlicky juices. A crisp green salad balances the richness perfectly. If you love seafood comfort meals, you might also enjoy my Shrimp Crab Chowder Recipe as a starter for a complete coastal-inspired dinner. For a heartier spread, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or simple sautéed asparagus. Meanwhile, if you enjoy bold flavors, my Easy One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Crab Boil makes a great weekend seafood feast option.

For drinks, choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Both complement the garlic, lemon, and seafood beautifully without overpowering the dish.

FAQs About One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta

What types of pasta pair best with shrimp and scallops?

Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works best for One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta because it evenly holds the light garlic sauce. However, fettuccine or angel hair also pairs beautifully with this Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta.

Can I make creamy garlic seafood pasta without heavy cream?

Yes. This recipe creates a naturally silky texture using olive oil, seafood juices, and lemon. You don’t need heavy cream for richness.

How long should shrimp and scallops cook in pasta sauce so they stay tender?

Shrimp cook in 1–2 minutes per side. Scallops need about 2 minutes per side. Remove them promptly to prevent overcooking.

What wine pairs well with creamy garlic seafood pasta?

Choose dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Their crisp acidity balances the garlic and lemon flavors perfectly.

You May Also Like

If you enjoyed this One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you’ll love these seafood favorites from Globe Recipe. Each one brings bold garlic flavor, tender seafood, and comforting pasta texture to your table:

Creamy Shrimp & Mussels Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce – A rich garlic butter seafood dish packed with bold coastal flavor. • Seafood Alfredo Pasta with Shrimp – A creamy, satisfying pasta option for seafood lovers. • Tomato Basil Seafood Linguine with Mixed Seafood – A fresh, herb-forward pasta perfect for lighter dinners. These recipes pair beautifully with your Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta rotation and help you build a strong seafood dinner collection.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta proves that elegant seafood dinners don’t require complicated steps. With simple ingredients and fresh flavor, this Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta delivers comfort and confidence in every bite. I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen just like it does in mine.

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