Delicious Pasta with Shrimp

Pasta with shrimp is a classic dish that combines tender pasta with succulent, flavorful shrimp. The seafood brings a natural sweetness and a delicate texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces, from light olive oil and garlic to creamy alfredo-style bases. Pasta with shrimp is celebrated for its versatility, quick cooking time, and ability to feel both indulgent and fresh. Whether paired with vegetables, herbs, or other proteins, it is a dish that delights at both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings.

More Delicious Pastas

People love pasta with shrimp because it is both comforting and sophisticated. Dishes like pasta with shrimp and tomatoes or pasta with shrimp and asparagus offer bright, fresh flavors, while pasta with shrimp and spinach or pasta with shrimp and sausage introduce richness and depth. Its quick preparation and bold flavors make it a reliable favorite for home cooks who want restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta with shrimp recipe delivers perfectly cooked shrimp every time, tender and juicy with a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with pasta and sauce. The flavors are well-balanced, allowing the natural taste of the shrimp to shine while being enhanced by garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. The recipe’s versatility ensures that each bite is satisfying, whether you’re enjoying a light olive oil-based version or a richer creamy variation. The pasta cooks al dente, creating the ideal texture that allows the sauce to cling perfectly to every strand, resulting in a cohesive and flavorful dish.

Another reason to love this recipe is its adaptability. You can incorporate seasonal vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or broccoli, or elevate it with additions like scallops or sausage, creating a variety of flavor profiles without complicating the process. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, a family meal, or an elegant seafood-focused dish for guests, this recipe offers flexibility, speed, and consistently impressive results. Its balance of freshness, richness, and texture makes it a reliable go-to for both home cooks and aspiring chefs alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time, Also Serving

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Shrimp

12 ounces pasta of your choice (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce and Vegetables

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for pasta with shrimp and tomatoes)
1 cup fresh spinach (for pasta with shrimp and spinach)
1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces (for pasta with shrimp and asparagus)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creamy sauce)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
Juice of 1 lemon

Substitution Notes

Shrimp can be substituted with scallops or chicken for variation.
Use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Any vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers can be substituted depending on preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.

Step 2: Sautéing the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus depending on the variation. Cook for 2-4 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant.

Step 4: Making the Sauce

If using cream, reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. For a lighter version, simply use olive oil, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.

Step 5: Combining Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 6: Final Touches

Garnish with extra parmesan, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve pasta with shrimp immediately while hot to ensure the shrimp remain tender and the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta. Use shallow bowls or wide plates to showcase the vibrant colors of the shrimp, vegetables, and sauce. Twirling the pasta into a neat mound using tongs or a fork adds elegance and a restaurant-quality touch.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan enhances flavor and adds visual appeal. For creamy variations, consider a touch of lemon zest to cut through the richness and brighten the overall dish.

Pair your pasta with shrimp with simple yet complementary sides. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread for texture and flavor contrast. For special occasions, present pasta with shrimp and scallops or pasta with shrimp and sausage on a large serving platter, arranging seafood and vegetables artfully for an impressive centerpiece. Finish with lemon wedges or a side of herbed butter for an extra layer of flavor that guests can add according to their taste.

Additional Tips

Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
Add lemon juice at the end to enhance freshness.
Cook vegetables briefly to maintain color and crunch.
For pasta with shrimp and broccoli, steam broccoli first before adding to the skillet.

Recipe Variations

Pasta with Shrimp and Tomatoes
Add halved cherry or grape tomatoes for a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the sweetness of the shrimp. As the tomatoes cook slightly in the sauce, they release their natural juices, creating a light, flavorful coating that clings beautifully to the pasta. This variation is perfect for a bright, summery dish that is both visually appealing and refreshing on the palate.
Pasta with Shrimp and Spinach
Fold in fresh spinach just before serving to add color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor. The heat from the pasta slightly wilts the leaves, keeping them tender yet vibrant, and the mild bitterness of spinach balances the richness of the shrimp and sauce. This variation makes the dish feel lighter and more wholesome without compromising on taste, making it perfect for a weekday meal or a nutritious dinner option.
Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus
Include tender asparagus pieces for a crisp, green addition that introduces subtle earthy notes. Lightly sautéed or blanched, the asparagus retains its texture and color, providing a fresh contrast to the succulent shrimp. This variation is excellent for spring or summer menus and pairs beautifully with a lemony or garlic-based sauce to enhance the overall freshness of the dish.
Pasta with Shrimp and Sausage
Combine shrimp with cooked Italian sausage for a hearty, protein-rich option. The savory, slightly spiced flavor of the sausage adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it more robust and satisfying. This variation is perfect for family dinners or gatherings where you want a more filling, indulgent pasta experience without losing the delicate sweetness of the shrimp.
Pasta with Shrimp and Broccoli
Add lightly steamed or sautéed broccoli florets to provide crunch and freshness. The subtle bitterness of the broccoli balances the richness of the shrimp and sauce, while the green color enhances visual appeal. This variation is ideal for a balanced, nutritious meal and works beautifully with both cream-based and olive oil–based sauces for a versatile dinner option.
Steak Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops
Mix shrimp with seared scallops for a luxurious, seafood-forward variation. The delicate, buttery flavor of scallops pairs perfectly with the shrimp, adding richness, elegance, and an extra layer of texture. This variation is perfect for entertaining or special occasions, making the dish feel more sophisticated while still being approachable for home cooks.

Freezing and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Do not freeze pasta with shrimp; shrimp can become rubbery. Freeze cooked pasta and sauce separately if needed.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain texture.
Serve immediately after reheating for best flavor.

Nutritional Information (Approx. values per serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g

Final Words

Pasta with shrimp is a dish that brings elegance and flavor to any meal without requiring complicated techniques. The combination of tender pasta, succulent shrimp, and vibrant vegetables or sauce creates a perfectly balanced dish that is both comforting and impressive. By following this recipe, home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results in their own kitchen, ensuring that the shrimp are perfectly cooked and the sauce is flavorful and well-integrated with the pasta.

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to incorporate a variety of ingredients like spinach, asparagus, broccoli, scallops, or sausage to suit your taste and seasonal availability. Each variation, whether pasta with shrimp and tomatoes for a fresh, bright flavor or pasta with shrimp and cream for a rich, indulgent meal, offers a unique twist while maintaining the essence of the dish. The flexibility makes it ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even special occasions.

Cooking pasta with shrimp at home is not only satisfying but also an opportunity to experiment with flavors and presentation. Garnishing with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of parmesan elevates the dish further, impressing anyone at the table. Mastering this recipe builds confidence in seafood preparation, demonstrates your culinary skill, and allows you to enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals that are sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

FAQ’s

Yes. Thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all pair well.

Yes. Add heavy cream and parmesan to make a creamy sauce version.

Scallops, crab, or firm white fish can be substituted.

Cook shrimp over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.