Name: Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 14 ounces spaghetti (400 grams); 14 ounces pre-cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined (400 grams); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30 grams); 6 large fresh tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic; A handful fresh flat leaf parsley; 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 chili pepper (of your choice); Salt to taste

This dish bursts with colors, flavors, and just the right hint of heat — that’s what makes this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe so memorable. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

A white pan filled with a mix of spaghetti pasta, orange shrimp, diced red tomatoes, and green leafy herbs on top, all stirred together with small pieces of green and red chili spread evenly throughout. The pasta is light yellow and soft, while the shrimp have a slightly pink and firm look. The herbs add a fresh green touch, scattered across the dish. Around the pan are three whole red tomatoes and two chili peppers, one red and one orange, placed on a white marbled surface. Two silver forks lie side by side in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I want to impress without the stress, this spicy shrimp pasta comes to the rescue. It’s simple, fresh, and offers a lovely balance of flavors that always get compliments at my table.

Speedy Preparation: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Fresh Ingredients: The combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh garlic, and herbs brings vibrant flavor with every bite.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the chili to your preferred heat — I always like a little kick without overwhelming the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Comfort Meets Elegance: It’s a humble meal with a rich, buttery tomato sauce that feels special and satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the harmony of this dish. From the smoothness of butter to the umami hit from soy sauce, they come together beautifully, so let’s look at why these staples deserve your spot on the shopping list.

Flat lay of a small bundle of uncooked spaghetti, a neat pile of peeled and deveined raw shrimp, a few large fresh red tomatoes, three whole garlic cloves with pale papery skins, one whole red chili pepper, a small handful of fresh flat leaf parsley sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, and a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Spaghetti: I stick to classic spaghetti because it holds the sauce well, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.
Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Convenient and fast to cook through, plus it absorbs the spicy, buttery sauce perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overpowering the fresh tomato flavors.
Fresh Tomatoes: Using fresh instead of canned brings brightness and a lovely natural sweetness.
Garlic: Thinly sliced to infuse the oil and sauce with aroma; fresh garlic is key.
Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley: The fresh herb lifts the dish, contributing a lovely, subtle earthiness.
Soy Sauce: A splash enhances the depth and saltiness, balancing the tomatoes and shrimp nicely.
Chili Pepper: Your heat hero — I start mild and adjust according to my guests’ preferences.
Salt: To taste, because no dish is complete without seasoning that ties everything together.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is wonderfully flexible. I often switch up the chili pepper type depending on how fiery I’m feeling that day, and sometimes swap parsley for fresh basil for a sweet herbal twist.

Variation: One time, I tried tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of tanginess and the texture contrast was incredible.
Dietary Modifications: For a low-carb version, try spiralized zucchini noodles — just toss in the sauce a little longer to soften them.
Seasonal Twist: When tomatoes aren't at their peak, canned San Marzano tomatoes work just fine and keep the sauce luscious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A close-up of a black pan filled with cooked shrimp in a rich orange-red sauce mixed with chopped green leafy herbs and small bits of red chili, the shrimp are plump and evenly spread throughout the sauce, a white spoon lifts a portion of shrimp and sauce from the pan, and in the background, out-of-focus red, yellow, and green chili peppers and red tomatoes sit on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Just Right

I always start by boiling salted water and cooking my spaghetti exactly according to the packet — usually about 8-10 minutes. The trick is to get it al dente because it’ll absorb some sauce later, and you want a little bite left. Drain but hold onto a splash of pasta water in case your sauce needs loosening.

Step 2: Create the Base with Butter & Tomatoes

While the pasta cooks, I melt the butter over high heat in a large frying pan and add the chopped fresh tomatoes. Cooking them at high heat for 3-4 minutes helps concentrate their flavors quickly. If it feels too thick or starts sticking, a tablespoon or two of water does the trick to keep things saucy.

Step 3: Spice It Up with Garlic & Chili

Thinly sliced garlic and fresh chili pepper go in next, and this step is where the magic really starts. Cooking them for about 5 minutes lets their flavors bloom into the sauce without turning bitter. If you want more heat, now’s the time to add extra chili or a pinch of flakes.

Step 4: Add Shrimp, Parsley & Seasonings

Finally, I toss in my pre-cooked shrimp and a handful of finely chopped parsley to brighten everything up. A splash of soy sauce amps up the umami and salinity, balancing out the acid from the tomatoes. I cook this gently for 4-5 minutes just until the shrimp warms through — overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once everything is ready, I pour the drained spaghetti into the pan and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Sometimes I add a splash of the reserved pasta water to make it silky and glossy — it also helps bind the sauce to the noodles beautifully.

Top Tip

After making this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe countless times, I’ve gathered a few simple tips that turned out to be game-changers in achieving that perfect balance.

Butter First: Melting the butter before adding tomatoes creates a rich, silky base that elevates the entire dish.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Since shrimp are pre-cooked, heating for too long makes them tough, so just warm them gently.
Adjust Heat Slowly: I always add chili gradually — it’s easy to add more, but tough to fix if it’s too spicy.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a bit to your sauce helps create a perfect glossy texture and binds pasta and sauce together nicely.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add freshness and a few twists of black pepper. If I’m feeling fancy, a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a beautiful brightness that makes your taste buds sing.

Side Dishes

To balance the spiciness, I often serve a crisp green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccolini also work beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I plate the pasta in neat nests using tongs and add a few whole chili slices on top for color. Serving in rustic bowls with a few whole parsley sprigs makes for a charming, inviting presentation that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, so I recommend adding a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring back that lovely saucy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the sauce separately (shrimp added after thawing) with good success. Freezing pasta with shrimp tends to affect texture, so I thaw the sauce in the fridge and toss it with fresh-cooked spaghetti when I’m ready to eat.

Reheating

Gently warming in a pan over low heat helps preserve shrimp tenderness — I avoid microwaving whenever possible. Adding a drizzle of water or olive oil keeps the sauce moist and prevents it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use raw shrimp instead of pre-cooked shrimp?

Absolutely! If you prefer raw shrimp, add them to the pan after the garlic and chili have cooked, and sauté until they turn pink and are cooked through—usually 3-4 minutes. Just keep an eye so they don’t overcook.

How spicy is this pasta?

The heat level depends on the chili pepper you choose. I usually use a mild chili for a gentle kick, but you can add more or pick a hotter variety if you like your food fiery. It’s easy to adjust to your taste.

Can I substitute dried pasta for fresh?

Yes, you can use dried pasta, and spaghetti works perfectly. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, and keep an eye on doneness to avoid mushy noodles.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?

Canned whole or crushed tomatoes are a great alternative when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Just simmer them until the sauce thickens to your liking. I recommend San Marzano for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe has become one of my favorite quick meals that still feels like a little celebration. Its vibrant sauce, tender shrimp, and that hint of heat make it endlessly satisfying. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how easily it comes together and how much everyone will ask for seconds!