Name: Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 14 ounces spaghetti (400 grams); 14 ounces pre-cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (400 grams); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30 grams); 6 large fresh tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic; A handful of fresh flat leaf parsley; 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 chili pepper (of your choice); Salt (to taste)

There's something about a simple, vibrant dish that really speaks to the soul of summer dinners. This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly that—a quick, flavourful meal with just the right kick that leaves you wanting more. Trust me, it’s a winner every time I make it.

A white pan filled with a mix of spaghetti pasta, orange shrimp, diced red tomatoes, and green leafy herbs on top, all stirred together with small pieces of green and red chili spread evenly throughout. The pasta is light yellow and soft, while the shrimp have a slightly pink and firm look. The herbs add a fresh green touch, scattered across the dish. Around the pan are three whole red tomatoes and two chili peppers, one red and one orange, placed on a white marbled surface. Two silver forks lie side by side in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe more times than I can count because it balances bold flavors with ease and speed. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Speedy prep: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Burst of fresh flavors: Ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh parsley make the sauce bright and lively.
Customizable heat: You control how spicy it gets by adjusting the chili pepper, so it’s never too mild or overwhelming.
Satisfying protein: Shrimp adds a tender, juicy bite that pairs beautifully with the silky pasta.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe keeps things straightforward with a handful of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each component brings its own magic to the dish—freshness, heat, umami, and that buttery sauce that holds it all together.

Flat lay of a small bundle of uncooked spaghetti, a neat pile of peeled and deveined raw shrimp, a few large fresh red tomatoes, three whole garlic cloves with pale papery skins, one whole red chili pepper, a small handful of fresh flat leaf parsley sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, and a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Spaghetti: Classic and easy to find, it soaks up the sauce well while providing comforting texture.
Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Saves time and cooks through quickly; just heat gently to avoid rubberiness.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel without overwhelming the flavors.
Fresh Tomatoes: Bright and juicy, they form the fresh base of the sauce—perfect for quick cooking.
Garlic: Essential for depth, its sharpness mellows out as it cooks with the sauce.
Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley: Gives a fresh herbal note that lightens the dish beautifully.
Soy Sauce: Adds a subtle umami twist and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Chili Pepper: Customize the heat level with your favorite variety; it’s the star of the “spicy” in this recipe.
Salt: To taste, bringing all flavors into harmony.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love swapping out the pasta for linguine sometimes to see how it changes the texture. Feel free to experiment with different chili peppers or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe invites your creativity.

Variation: When I want a creamier sauce, I sometimes stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream at the end—it mellows the heat while keeping the flavor alive.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A close-up of a black pan filled with cooked shrimp in a rich orange-red sauce mixed with chopped green leafy herbs and small bits of red chili, the shrimp are plump and evenly spread throughout the sauce, a white spoon lifts a portion of shrimp and sauce from the pan, and in the background, out-of-focus red, yellow, and green chili peppers and red tomatoes sit on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfect Pasta Timing

Start by boiling your spaghetti according to the package instructions. This helps you time the sauce perfectly so everything’s hot and ready at the same moment. Don't overcook—al dente is the way to go for the best texture.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Heat butter in a large pan over high heat, then add chopped fresh tomatoes. Let them sizzle for 3-4 minutes to break down and release their juices. If it seems too thick or starts sticking, splash in a little water to loosen it up.

Step 3: Infuse Flavor with Garlic & Chili

Peel and thinly slice your garlic and chili pepper. Toss them into the pan and cook together for about 5 minutes, letting those aromatics really perfume the sauce. Taste the chili heat at this point to adjust if needed.

Step 4: Bring in the Shrimp and Herbs

Add pre-cooked shrimp along with finely chopped parsley and the soy sauce. Stir well and let everything warm through for 4-5 minutes. This step is quick, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking the shrimp—it should stay tender.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Drain your pasta and toss it straight into the sauce. Give it a good mix so every strand is coated in that spicy, buttery tomato goodness. Grab a fork and dig in while it’s warm!

Top Tip

After cooking this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe several times, I’ve learned that timing and heat control are everything. These quick tips help the sauce shine without turning shrimp rubbery or pasta mushy.

Don’t overcook shrimp: Since they’re pre-cooked, just heat through to keep them juicy and tender.
High heat for tomatoes: Cooking tomatoes over high heat breaks them down fast and keeps the sauce fresh and vibrant.
Chop garlic thinly: So it melts into the sauce rather than overpowering with harsh raw bites.
Adjust spice gradually: Start with less chili—you can always add more but can’t take it out once too spicy!

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle fresh parsley right on top to give it a bright, herbaceous finish. A little extra chili flakes can be sprinkled if you want some extra heat. Occasionally I add a squeeze of lemon juice—it adds a nice zing that awakens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to mop up the sauce. For something heartier, I’ve served it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, which complement the spicy seafood flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls and garnish with whole sprigs of parsley and curled lemon zest. It looks rustic yet elegant and invites everyone to dig in and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 2 days, but I recommend reheating gently to avoid drying out the shrimp or pasta.

Freezing

Because this dish has fresh tomatoes and delicate shrimp, I don’t usually freeze it. The texture of shrimp and pasta can suffer, so I prefer to enjoy it fresh for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This keeps the pasta from sticking and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Microwave works too, but stirring halfway helps maintain even heat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use raw shrimp instead of pre-cooked?

Absolutely! If you're using raw shrimp, just add it a bit earlier in the cooking process and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes, but be careful not to overcook.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti is classic and allows the sauce to cling just right, but linguine or fettuccine are great alternatives for a bit of texture variety.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

You can reduce or omit the chili pepper or choose a milder variety. Removing the seeds from the chili also drastically lowers the heat while keeping the flavor.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Canned tomatoes work in a pinch, especially diced ones, but fresh tomatoes make the sauce brighter and less acidic, so I recommend fresh for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a true kitchen gem that I turn to when I want something exciting but fuss-free. The bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and effortless cooking make it feel like a treat every time. I can't wait for you to try it—you’ll see how quickly it can become a regular in your meal rotation!