This spicy shrimp pasta is the perfect mix of creamy, garlicky, and just the right amount of heat!
\Juicy shrimp, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a dish that feels fancy but is super easy to make.
The best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes! This is a go-to for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
- 1 lb frozen shrimp (thawed, peeled, and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Tools:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Tongs or a spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pro Tips
🔹 Thaw Shrimp Quickly – Run them under cold water in a colander for 5-10 minutes if you forgot to thaw them ahead of time.
🔹 Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They cook fast! Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
🔹 Save Some Pasta Water – It helps thicken the sauce and makes it extra silky.
🔹 Adjust the Spice Level – Start with less red pepper flakes if you’re not sure, then add more if needed.
🔹 Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
How to Make It
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Add the Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for 2 minutes, stirring until smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or pasta water to keep the sauce creamy.
- Not freezer-friendly (the sauce can separate when thawed).
Wrap-Up
This spicy shrimp pasta is one of those recipes that feels special but is so easy to throw together. The creamy garlic tomato sauce, tender shrimp, and just the right kick of spice make it irresistible. Try it, tweak the spice level to your liking, and let me know in the comments how it turned out! Happy cooking! 🍝🔥