This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe beautifully captures everything you crave in a weeknight dinner: it’s quick, gloriously creamy, and packs just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. Tender shrimp are tossed with al dente pasta in a silky, tomato-kissed sauce with a kiss of cream, a touch of parmesan, and just enough red pepper flakes to wake up your senses. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself, it’s an irresistible meal that feels luxe but comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this dish is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients work together to create something truly special. Each component adds its own flair—pasta for the perfect chew, shrimp for succulence, and a mellow heat that ties everything together in our Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
- Pasta: Use 12 ounces of linguine or spaghetti for those gorgeous, sauce-clinging strands that make every forkful delicious.
- Shrimp: 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp ensures every bite features sweet, tender pieces of seafood.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons set the foundation for a rich, velvety sauce and help infuse the dish with flavor.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, infuse the whole dish with unmistakable aroma and potency—crucial in any great pasta!
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (or more to taste) add the signature spicy kick, so adjust to your preference.
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon brings smoky warmth and a beautiful depth of flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for seasoning perfection at every step.
- Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5-ounce can (with juices) adds a tangy brightness and builds the body of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup melds everything together and creates that dreamy, rich texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated, for nutty, salty cheesiness that finishes the sauce perfectly.
- Lemon Juice: The juice of half a lemon enlivens the flavors and highlights the shrimp.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your linguine or spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s just al dente—think tender but still pleasantly chewy. Always remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is the secret to melding the sauce and pasta together beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spice
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen is filled with the irresistible fragrance of garlic—don’t let the garlic brown, just let it infuse the oil and awaken your taste buds for what’s ahead in this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add your prepared shrimp to the skillet along with the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, just until the shrimp turn opaque and pink. Overcooking at this point means tough shrimp, so keep an eye on them! Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and set them aside—don’t worry, they’ll return later to soak up all the saucy goodness.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and let them simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing their natural tang to deepen and sweeten. Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh lemon juice. Lower the heat and let the sauce bubble gently for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly into a lush, dreamy blanket for the pasta.
Step 5: Toss It All Together
Add your drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything to coat those noodles evenly. If the sauce feels a bit thick, now’s the time to splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently so everything gets well coated and the flavors marry. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the whole Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe really pop, finish with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and extra chopped parsley. If you like a bit more heat, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds visual appeal and a gentle nudge for the taste buds. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can add that last touch of silkiness, too.
Side Dishes
This pasta loves to be paired with crusty bread to soak up the luxurious sauce—think airy ciabatta or a warm baguette. For a refreshing counterpoint, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon or balsamic vinaigrette. If you want something heartier, consider roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
The Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe looks stunning when twirled into individual pasta nests on each plate, topped with a dramatic pile of shrimp and a confetti of parsley. You can also serve it family-style in a large, shallow bowl for a sense of abundance, or tuck some lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness. For an at-home date night, a sprinkle of fresh basil or microgreens can elevate the presentation with a modern touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), cool any remaining Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will taste delicious for up to two days, making it a great option for a next-day lunch or lazy dinner. Just be sure to keep the shrimp and pasta together so the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
While creamy sauces with shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe in a pinch. Freeze cooled portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and note that the sauce might separate slightly but will come together again on reheating if stirred well.
Reheating
To reheat, add the pasta and shrimp to a skillet with a splash of water or a bit of cream over low heat. Stir gently until everything is heated through and the sauce is silky again. For microwave reheating, cover and use low power in short intervals, stirring between bursts to avoid tough shrimp and dry pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps prevent any extra moisture from diluting the bold flavors of your sauce.
How do I make the pasta spicier or milder?
To dial up the heat, simply add more red pepper flakes, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous. For a milder version, decrease or omit the red pepper flakes—the result will still be flavorful, just with less spicy punch.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you’d like a lighter sauce, half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk; it changes the flavor slightly but keeps things decadently creamy.
Can I use another type Main Course
Yes! While linguine and spaghetti are classic, any long pasta shape works. Fettuccine is another favorite, but short shapes like penne or rigatoni will hold the sauce just as well, making the Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe super versatile.
What other proteins could I try?
While shrimp is the star, you can swap in scallops, chunks of white fish, or even cooked chicken if seafood isn’t your thing. Each brings its own twist and ensures the dish is always exciting and new every time you make it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just want to spice up your usual dinner routine, this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table with anticipation and leaves them asking for seconds—give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen.
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Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful meal with this Spicy Shrimp Pasta recipe. A perfect blend of succulent shrimp, tangy tomatoes, and creamy sauce tossed with pasta for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Linguine or Spaghetti:
12 ounces
Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined):
1 pound
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced):
4 cloves
Red Pepper Flakes:
1/2 teaspoon (or more to taste)
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Diced Tomatoes (with juices):
1 (14.5-ounce) can
Heavy Cream:
1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup
Lemon Juice:
juice of 1/2 lemon
Chopped Fresh Parsley:
2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds. Add shrimp, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add diced tomatoes, simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed. Return shrimp to the skillet, toss. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or omit cream for a more tomato-forward dish.
- Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
