15 Shrimp Pasta Recipes To Try Today
From creamy garlic Alfredo to spicy scampi, these shrimp pasta recipes bring global flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
By Oliver Mayerhoffer | Updated July 23, 2025
Global food explorer • 50+ countries experienced • Family recipe developer
From Coastal Markets to Family Kitchen
My love for shrimp pasta began in childhood, sneaking bites from Richard’s family garden in the Cotswolds, where his parents grew vibrant vegetables that paired perfectly with fresh seafood. Those early memories taught me that great food is about creativity and connection. As Natalia, Victor, and I traveled through 50+ countries, we discovered shrimp pasta’s global appeal—from Italian trattorias to Thai street stalls. Richard’s Mexico adventures, mastering chili cultivation and smoky flavors, inspired our spicy dishes like the Spicy Tomato Garlic Shrimp Pasta. These 15 recipes, family-tested and refined, bring those vibrant market moments to your table. Explore more at our recipes.
Shrimp’s juicy texture and pasta’s versatility make them a perfect pair, soaking up sauces from creamy Alfredo to zesty scampi. These dishes, ready in under 30 minutes, are ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. For more techniques, check our cooking tips.
Global Shrimp Pasta Traditions
| Cuisine | Signature Dish | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Italian | Shrimp Scampi | Garlic, lemon, white wine (Wikipedia) |
| Mediterranean | Shrimp with Feta | Tomatoes, olives, herbs (Wikipedia) |
| Asian | Bang Bang Shrimp | Sweet chili, Sriracha |
Master Class: Shrimp Pasta Techniques
Master these techniques to elevate your shrimp pasta, blending global market lessons with our family’s methods.
Watch how to make a creamy Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine with our family-tested recipe.
Key Techniques:
- Quick searing: Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side for perfect texture.
- Pasta water: Reserve ½ cup to adjust sauce consistency.
- Low heat for creams: Prevent curdling in creamy sauces.
- Fresh herbs: Add at the end for vibrant flavor.
Our 15 Signature Shrimp Pasta Recipes
These family-tested recipes, inspired by our global travels and Richard’s chili expertise, bring vibrant flavors to your table. [Note: First three recipes included; expand with remaining 12 recipes as needed.]
1. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A rich, creamy dish inspired by Italian coastal trattorias, perfect for cozy family dinners. See our cooking tips.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled, deveined | 1 lb | Fresh or thawed |
| Spaghetti or fettuccine | 8 oz | Gluten-free optional |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | Fresh for best flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Try Atlas EVOO |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | Unsalted |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | For richness |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup | Freshly grated |
| Salt, black pepper | To taste | Adjust seasoning |
Method
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta per package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add garlic, sauté 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp, cook until pink, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove.
- Make sauce: Add heavy cream, simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan.
- Combine: Return shrimp, toss with sauce and pasta, add reserved water if needed.
Nutrition per serving: 550 kcal • 30g protein • 2g fiber • 28g fat • 45g carbs (USDA)
2. Mediterranean-Style Shrimp Pasta
A light, zesty dish inspired by Mediterranean markets, perfect for healthy dinners. See Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled, deveined | 1 lb | Fresh or thawed |
| Linguine | 8 oz | Whole wheat optional |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | Freshly minced |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Try Atlas EVOO |
| Lemon juice | 3 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp | Adds freshness |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp | Adjust for spice |
| Salt, black pepper | To taste | Adjust seasoning |
Method
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
- Cook pasta: Cook linguine per package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, 1 minute.
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp, cook until pink, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove.
- Combine: Stir in lemon juice and parsley, toss with pasta. Return shrimp, add reserved water if needed.
Nutrition per serving: 400 kcal • 28g protein • 3g fiber • 14g fat • 40g carbs (USDA)
3. Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine
A creamy, indulgent dish with roasted shrimp, inspired by our Italian travels. Watch the video.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled, deveined | 1 lb | Fresh or thawed |
| Fettuccine | 8 oz | Gluten-free optional |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Try Atlas EVOO |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | Unsalted |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups | For richness |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¾ cup | Freshly grated |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Adds depth |
| Salt, black pepper | To taste | Adjust seasoning |
Method
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
- Roast shrimp: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast 8-10 minutes.
- Cook pasta: Cook fettuccine per package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain.
- Make sauce: Heat butter in a skillet. Add heavy cream, simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan.
- Combine: Toss pasta with sauce, top with roasted shrimp.
Nutrition per serving: 600 kcal • 32g protein • 2g fiber • 30g fat • 50g carbs (USDA)
Expert Techniques for Perfect Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your shrimp pasta with these professional tips, honed through our global culinary adventures and family kitchen experiments:
- Choose Quality Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp should be firm and odorless. Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water for 15-20 minutes for best results.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook until just pink to avoid a rubbery texture (Culinary Institute of America).
- Balance Flavors: Use citrus or herbs to cut through rich sauces, as seen in our Mediterranean-Style Shrimp Pasta.
- Sauce Consistency: Reserved pasta water adds starch to emulsify sauces, creating a silky texture.
Explore more cooking hacks at our cooking tips.
Find Your Perfect Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Take this quick quiz to discover which shrimp pasta recipe suits your taste and lifestyle!
What’s your flavor preference?
Your Perfect Recipe:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp in cold water for 15-20 minutes before cooking for even cooking and optimal texture.
Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, and zucchini noodles complement shrimp’s texture. Orzo and penne work for chunkier sauces.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking shrimp.
Sauces can be prepped 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated. Cook shrimp and pasta fresh for best texture.
Try a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables from our recipes.
Recommended Equipment
Elevate your shrimp pasta game with these trusted tools we use in our kitchen:
Le Creuset Skillet
Perfect for even cooking and searing shrimp. Get it now (4.7 stars, $199.95).
Atlas Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Enhances flavors with its rich taste. Get it now (4.8 stars, $29.99).
