Satisfying Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Sizzling Spicy Shrimp Pasta: A Mouthwatering 20-Minute Delight!

Zesty shrimp pasta is a tasty dish that brings together seafood and bold flavors.

Inspired by Mediterranean and coastal foods, this recipe offers an exciting mix of ingredients and spices.

Juicy shrimp pair with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich sauce that excites the taste buds.

People who cook at home or work in kitchens find it easy to make this versatile meal quickly.

You can adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your own taste, making each version unique.

With influences from different parts of the world, this seafood pasta is loved by many food fans around the globe.

What Makes Spicy Shrimp Pasta So Bold

  • Speedy Gourmet Delight: Whip up this restaurant-quality pasta in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous culinary adventures.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold spicy notes from crushed red pepper flakes and a rich fra diavolo sauce, this dish delivers intense, mouth-watering taste without complicated techniques.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust heat levels by controlling red pepper flakes, swap seafood for chicken, or make it vegetarian – this versatile recipe adapts to personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal, saving time and reducing dish washing hassle.

Spicy Shrimp Pasta Ingredients To Use

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the primary protein for the dish. Wild-caught or large shrimp recommended for best flavor and texture.
Pasta Base:
  • DeLallo Linguine: Classic Italian pasta that perfectly holds the spicy sauce. Choose high-quality dried pasta for authentic taste.
Sauce Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Dry White Wine: Rich base for creating a flavorful fra diavolo sauce. Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for balanced flavor.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano: Provides depth and heat to the pasta. Fresh garlic offers more intense flavor than pre-minced.
Herbs and Finishing Touches:
  • Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Adds brightness and freshness to the final dish. Flat-leaf parsley recommended for better taste.
Oils and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Sugar: Essential for cooking and balancing flavors. Use high-quality olive oil for best results.
Optional Serving Addition:
  • Crusty Baguette, Flaky Sea Salt: Provides additional texture and optional seasoning for serving.

Easy Directions For Spicy Shrimp Pasta

Easy Directions For Spicy Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Toss in a generous amount of salt and cook linguine until it’s perfectly tender. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water – this liquid gold will be your sauce’s secret weapon.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Shrimp

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, drizzle with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Step 3: Sear Succulent Seafood

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp and cook quickly:
  • 1-2 minutes on first side
  • 1 minute on second side

Move the cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

Lower the skillet heat and add:
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Additional red pepper flakes
  • Dried oregano

Sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Create Fiery Sauce

Pour in white wine and crank up the heat. Let it bubble and reduce. Add:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Touch of sugar

Simmer and let the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Bring The Dish Together

Combine in the skillet:
  • Cooked pasta
  • Seared shrimp
  • Reserved pasta water
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Toss everything until perfectly coated. Adjust sauce consistency with pasta water.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Plate the linguine in bowls. Garnish with:
  • Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
  • Additional parsley
  • Lemon wedges
  • Flaky sea salt

Serve alongside a crusty baguette for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips To Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta Better

  • Perfectly Cook Shrimp: Pat shrimp thoroughly dry to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of caramelizing.
  • Reserve Pasta Water Wisely: Keep pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help ingredients bind together smoothly.
  • Balance Spice Levels: Control heat by adjusting crushed red pepper flakes – start with less and add incrementally for personalized spiciness.
  • Wine Selection Matters: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that complements the seafood without overpowering the dish.
  • Serve Immediately Hot: Toss pasta right before serving to maintain optimal temperature and prevent sauce from becoming too thick or sticky.

How To Store Spicy Shrimp Pasta Right

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and shrimp together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to prevent drying. Stir gently to redistribute the sauce and heat evenly.
  • Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
  • Avoid Freezing: Skip freezing this dish, as shrimp and pasta can become tough and lose their delicate texture when thawed and reheated.

What Pairs Well With Spicy Shrimp Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the spicy shrimp pasta's bold flavors and cut through the richness of the sauce.
  • Match with Garlic Bread: Serve a toasted, buttery baguette slice alongside the pasta to soak up the fra diavolo sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast.
  • Balance with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to refresh the palate between spicy bites.
  • Enhance with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon juice and a hint of mint to cool down the dish's heat and provide a zesty, refreshing drink.

Fun Ideas For Spicy Shrimp Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Adventure: Swap DeLallo linguine with gluten-free rice or corn pasta, ensuring the same al dente texture while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Seafood Remix: Replace shrimp with king oyster mushrooms or marinated tofu chunks, maintaining the spicy fra diavolo sauce's robust flavor profile for plant-based eaters.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a lighter, vegetable-forward dish that keeps the spicy sauce and seafood essence intact.
  • Protein Power Upgrade: Use grilled chicken or seared scallops instead of shrimp, offering alternative protein options while preserving the recipe's core Mediterranean-inspired techniques.

Spicy Shrimp Pasta Questions Answered

  • What does fra diavolo mean?

Fra diavolo is an Italian phrase meaning “brother devil”, referring to a spicy tomato-based sauce traditionally made with lots of red pepper flakes that create a fiery, hot flavor profile.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely, pat dry thoroughly, and ensure they are not watery before seasoning and cooking to prevent excess moisture in the sauce.

  • Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level is moderate. The recipe uses ¼ tsp red pepper flakes initially, which provides a warm heat without being overwhelming. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to increase or decrease spiciness according to your preference.

  • What type of white wine works best?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works perfectly for this recipe. Choose a wine you would also enjoy drinking to enhance the sauce’s overall flavor.

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Satisfying Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Satisfying Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Shrimp Pasta delivers a bold Mediterranean flavor journey with zesty garlic, red pepper flakes, and succulent prawns. Seafood enthusiasts will savor this quick, elegant dish that combines simple ingredients into a luxurious dining experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed

Carbohydrates:

  • 1 lb DeLallo linguine

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons DeLallo extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for cooking pasta
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, divided
  • 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 28 ounces (794 grams) DeLallo crushed tomatoes (drained), or 1 can diced tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for serving)
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Baguette (optional, for serving)
  • Flaky sea salt for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generously salted boiling water bath for the linguine, cooking it precisely to al dente. Carefully extract and preserve one cup of the starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
  2. Tenderly pat the shrimp completely dry, then marinate with a harmonious blend of olive oil, kosher salt, and fiery red pepper flakes.
  3. Ignite a large skillet with olive oil over robust heat, then swiftly sear the shrimp until they transform from translucent to a delicate coral, roughly 1-2 minutes per side. Relocate the perfectly cooked shellfish to a waiting plate.
  4. Reduce the skillet’s temperature and introduce minced garlic, additional red pepper flakes, and aromatic oregano. Gently toast until the kitchen fills with an enticing fragrance.
  5. Deglaze the pan with a crisp white wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate its essence. Incorporate diced tomatoes and a whisper of sugar, then simmer the mixture until it thickens and melds together.
  6. Reunite the pasta, succulent shrimp, reserved cooking water, and freshly chopped parsley within the sauce. Toss with precision, adjusting the consistency as desired. Plate the creation, embellishing with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, additional parsley, bright lemon wedges, and optionally, a crusty baguette. Crown with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the final flourish.

Notes

  • Choose firm, fresh shrimp with a slightly sweet aroma to ensure the best flavor and texture in your pasta dish.
  • Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance – start with less and add more gradually for personalized heat level.
  • Reserve pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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