Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe: Quick, Flavorful, and Easy Weeknight Dinner
A flavorful and slightly spicy shrimp pasta tossed in a garlic-infused tomato sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes or fresh chili. This dish balances the sweetness of the shrimp with a creamy or tomato base, perfect for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces pasta linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced or sliced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes or 1.5 cups cherry/grape tomatoes halved
- ½ to 1 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 fresh chili pepper sliced
- ¼ cup chicken broth or shrimp stock optional
- 1 cup heavy cream or 2 tbsp butter optional for creamy version
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
- Lemon juice optional, for brightness
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (or fresh chili) and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes) and chicken broth; simmer to reduce sauce and thicken (about 8-10 minutes).
- (Optional) Stir in heavy cream or butter for a creamy sauce; add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For milder spice, reduce red pepper flakes or omit chili pepper.
- Shrimp stock or chicken broth adds depth but can be omitted for simplicity.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking shrimp.
- Gluten-free pasta works great if preferred.
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