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.
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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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
Spaghetti is classic and allows the sauce to cling just right, but linguine or fettuccine are great alternatives for a bit of texture variety.
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.
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!
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Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining tender pre-cooked shrimp simmered in a buttery, garlicky tomato sauce with a touch of chili heat, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 14 ounces spaghetti (400 grams)
Shrimp and Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, timing to finish around the same time as the sauce.
- Prepare Tomato Base: In a large frying pan, melt the unsalted butter over high heat, then add chopped fresh tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, adding a few tablespoons of water if the mixture becomes too dry.
- Sauté Garlic and Chili: Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves. Wash and slice the chili pepper. Add both to the pan with the tomatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add Shrimp and Parsley: Add the pre-cooked shrimp and finely chopped fresh parsley to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, stir well, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp is heated through and flavors meld.
- Season and Combine: Taste the sauce and season with salt as needed. Mix the sauce thoroughly with the drained spaghetti.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti topped with the spicy shrimp tomato sauce and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a mild chili pepper to control the heat or add more for spicier flavor.
- Pre-cooked shrimp makes this recipe quick, but fresh shrimp can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adding a splash of pasta water to the sauce can help achieve the desired consistency.
- Fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor, but canned tomatoes can be substituted if out of season.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 561 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 83 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 265 mg
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