If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances heat, creaminess, and fresh ocean flavors, this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. It brings together plump, juicy shrimp kissed with smoky spices and red pepper flakes, all wrapped in a luscious creamy sauce that hugs every strand of tender pasta. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe offers a sublime combination of textures and bold tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch, each playing a crucial role in bringing out the flavors, adding texture, or contributing vibrant color to the dish. With fresh shrimp, aromatic garlic, rich cream, and warming spices, the components are simple yet essential for that perfect balance in this recipe.
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp bring a tender seafood sweetness that’s the star of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing garlic and shrimp to a perfect, slightly crisp finish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds that essential fragrant kick that complements the spice beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust the heat here to match your spice tolerance for the ideal spicy kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This smoky powder deepens the flavor and adds a subtle warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a touch of sharpness.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): They burst with color and juicy sweetness, brightening the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, silky sauce that binds all ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Brings a concentrated tomato flavor and enhances the sauce’s body.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: Used to loosen the sauce and help it adhere perfectly to the pasta.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh herbal note and a splash of green color.
- Lemon wedges for serving: The bright acidity cuts through the richness and adds that final zing.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until just al dente – firm yet tender enough to carry the sauce perfectly. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help bring your sauce together later on.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In a large skillet warmed with olive oil, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic’s fragrance to bloom and the pepper flakes’ heat to infuse the oil without burning.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp along with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick sear locks in juices and builds the base flavor. Remove the shrimp and set them aside so you can cook the sauce in the same pan.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Into the skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, and heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, which allows the tomatoes to soften and the sauce to thicken slightly, melding flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Next, stir in the Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding richness, while the pasta water thins and helps the sauce cling to your noodles. Then, add back the drained pasta and shrimp, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Let it cook for another minute so it all heats through and flavors marry perfectly.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery note that balances the creamy sauce. A squeeze of lemon wedges over the top brings a bright, zesty lift that cuts through the richness, making every bite more dynamic.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs amazingly well with a crisp green salad lightly dressed with vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to mop up the leftover sauce. Both options complement the spicy shrimp without overpowering the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the pasta twirled on each plate with extra shrimp artfully placed on top. You can also add a drizzle of chili oil if you want an extra spicy finish or sprinkle crushed toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch and texture. Presentation is all about inviting people to enjoy every delicious mouthful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen slightly overnight, but be mindful that the sauce may thicken, so reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to restore its silky texture.
Freezing
While not ideal for best texture, you can freeze this dish in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Shrimp can become rubbery after freezing, so it’s better to freeze the components separately if planning ahead. Always thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring the Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe back to life, warm it slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little water or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. This prevents the shrimp from overcooking and keeps the pasta from drying out, ensuring you still get that luscious, comforting meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sauce texture.
How spicy is this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is adjustable by changing the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with less if you prefer mild spice and add more gradually to your liking.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, for a lighter version, half-and-half or even coconut milk can be used. Just know that the sauce may not be quite as rich but will still be delicious.
What type of pasta works best?
Long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine is the best choice because it holds the creamy sauce well and pairs perfectly with the shrimp’s texture.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Definitely! It’s impressive yet easy to make, and its vibrant colors and bold flavors are sure to please guests.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a heartwarming dish that perfectly combines spice, creaminess, and fresh seafood in one bowl. Its simplicity and quick cooking time make it perfect for busy nights, while its depth of flavor makes it special enough to share with friends and family. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the wonderful experience of creating something truly tasty and satisfying in your own kitchen.
Print
Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A flavorful and creamy spicy shrimp pasta that combines tender shrimp with a rich tomato and cream sauce, enhanced by garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release their flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet along with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine, then pour in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors and slightly thicken.
- Finish Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water to the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thick. This step ensures the sauce reaches the right consistency to coat the pasta perfectly.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat through and marry the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh herbal note. Serve the pasta immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over as desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level, making the dish milder or spicier as desired.
- For a lighter creamy sauce, substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for heavy cream.
- This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread to complete the meal.
