As a self-proclaimed pasta connoisseur and shrimp enthusiast, I’ve sampled my fair share of shrimp pasta dishes over the years. From creamy alfredo to zesty lemon pepper, I’ve found that shrimp and pasta make the perfect pairing, with endless possibilities for flavor combinations.
Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or rich and indulgent, there’s a shrimp pasta recipe out there to suit any craving. In this article, I’ll share some favorite shrimp pasta recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you dreaming of your next plate of shrimp-studded noodles.
1. Garlic Shrimp & Spinach Fettuccine
A vibrant, creamy dish perfect for warm evenings, combining the richness of garlic and spinach with succulent shrimp.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. fettuccine
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz. fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 c. white wine (optional)
- 1/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 Tbsp. mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and return to the pot.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper, cooking until pink, about 3 minutes. If using, add white wine and let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, then stir in lemon juice, Parmesan, and mascarpone cheese. Allow to simmer briefly until creamy.
- Toss in the cooked fettuccine, mixing well to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess.
This dish is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for any occasion!
2. Quick Shrimp Pad Thai
Description: A fast and delicious alternative to takeout, this simplified Pad Thai is perfect for satisfying noodle cravings in no time.
Ingredients
- Noodles:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tsp peanut or vegetable oil
- 8 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1-3 tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, water, honey, and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry: In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the shrimp to the side of the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble until fully cooked. Combine with the shrimp.
- Combine: Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the pan, tossing everything together until the noodles are well-coated.
- Finish with Vegetables: Remove from heat and stir in the bean sprouts, grated carrots, green onions, peanuts, and cilantro.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.
3. Shrimp Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Cook the Pancetta:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Remove from heat, and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add Pancetta:
- Stir in the cooked pancetta.
- Serve:
- Plate the carbonara, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Make sure to mix the sauce off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- You can add peas or spinach for extra color and nutrition if you like!
4. Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toppings:
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in the pesto and toss to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Tips
- You can add veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp while cooking.
5. Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a flavorful pasta dish that features shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce. The recipe begins by seasoning the shrimp with salt and crushed red pepper flakes before cooking them in olive oil until pink.
Linguine is boiled separately until al dente, with some cooking water reserved for later use. The sauce is prepared by sautéing onions and then adding diced tomatoes, white wine, garlic, and oregano, simmering until slightly thickened.
Finally, the cooked shrimp and pasta are tossed into the sauce, along with fresh basil and parsley for added freshness. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick, making it both satisfying and delicious.
6. Chicken Curry Laksa
Chicken Curry Laksa with Shrimp is a rich and spicy soup featuring a flavorful coconut broth. The dish begins by creating a homemade laksa paste using ingredients like dried chilies, shrimp, nuts, and spices, which is blended into a smooth consistency.
Rice noodles are cooked separately, then set aside for later use. In a skillet, the laksa paste is cooked until fragrant before adding shrimp, chicken broth, and coconut milk, which simmers to develop flavor.
Tofu puffs, salt, sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice are added to complete the soup, which can be adjusted for seasoning. Finally, the noodles are served in bowls, topped with the soup and garnished with chili paste, fresh chilies, and cilantro for a deliciously balanced meal.
7. Bruschetta Shrimp Pasta
Bruschetta Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant summer dish that combines fresh bruschetta flavors with shrimp and pasta. The recipe starts by cooking fettuccine or linguine until al dente, then draining it.
In a skillet, olive oil is heated, and shrimp are sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes until they turn pink. Cherry tomatoes are added next, cooking until they soften and release their juices. The cooked pasta is tossed in with chopped basil and balsamic vinegar, creating a flavorful blend.
Finally, the dish is served topped with grated Parmesan cheese and seasoned with salt and pepper for a satisfying meal.
8. Creamy Shrimp Linguine
Creamy Shrimp Linguine is a delicious pasta dish featuring a rich and smooth sauce. The recipe starts with cooking linguine until al dente, then sautéing shrimp in butter until pink and opaque.
Next, a creamy sauce is made by melting butter and simmering heavy cream until slightly thickened, followed by whisking in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Lemon juice is added for brightness, and the sauce is seasoned to taste.
The cooked pasta is tossed with the sauce and half the shrimp, while the remaining shrimp are arranged on top. Finally, the dish is garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh finish.
9. Lemony Shrimp & Asparagus Spaghetti
Lemony Shrimp and Asparagus Spaghetti is a bright and creamy pasta dish perfect for summer. It starts by cooking spaghetti until al dente, then draining and returning it to the pot. In a skillet, butter is melted, and garlic is sautéed before adding asparagus, cooking until tender, followed by shrimp until pink.
The dish is seasoned with salt and pepper, then combined with fresh lemon juice, lemon slices, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, simmering for added flavor. Finally, the cooked spaghetti is tossed into the skillet, mixing until everything is well coated, with reserved pasta water added for creaminess.
This dish offers a delightful balance of fresh and cheesy flavors, making it a satisfying meal.
10. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet impressive dish featuring tender shrimp in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. The recipe starts by cooking fettuccine or linguine until al dente and setting it aside.
In a skillet, olive oil is heated, and minced garlic is sautéed until fragrant before adding the shrimp, which are cooked until pink. Once the shrimp are ready, butter is stirred in, followed by lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
The cooked pasta is then tossed with the sauce until evenly coated. This dish is finished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or chopped parsley, offering a bright and rich flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
11.Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
Cook shrimp in a rich Alfredo sauce with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, served over fettuccine
