15 Irresistible Shrimp Pasta Recipes You Need to Try Today
Shrimp pasta recipes combine the bold, juicy flavors of shrimp with the comforting and versatile nature of pasta. From creamy garlic pasta to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, these recipes are quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Ready to transform your meals? Let’s dive in!
Why Shrimp and Pasta Are the Perfect Pair
Shrimp and pasta are a natural pairing. Shrimp’s meaty texture and juicy flavor make it an excellent partner for pasta. Pasta serves as a versatile base to soak up delicious sauces. These shrimp pasta recipes are ideal for quick weeknight dinners or elevated meals for special occasions.
From rich and creamy Alfredo to spicy and zesty scampi, these recipes come together in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this collection has something for everyone.
For more quick and versatile dinner ideas, check out our collection of Best Instant Pot Pasta Recipes To Try.
1. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Spaghetti or Fettuccine | 8 oz |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Toss in shrimp, cooking until pink (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until thickened. Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Return shrimp to the pan, toss with the sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
Learn More: For the history of pasta and its global popularity, visit Wikipedia’s Pasta Page.
2. Mediterranean-Style Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Linguine | 8 oz |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Red Pepper Flakes | ½ tsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley, then toss in the cooked pasta.
- Return shrimp to the pan and combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
Learn More: Explore the benefits of Mediterranean cuisine on Wikipedia’s Mediterranean Cuisine Page.
3. Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Fettuccine | 8 oz |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Heavy Cream | 1 ½ cups |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ¾ cup |
| Smoked Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
Top with roasted shrimp and serve immediately..
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 8–10 minutes.
Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
4. Spicy Lemon Butter Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Spaghetti | 8 oz |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Lemon Juice | 3 tbsp |
| Red Pepper Flakes | ½ tsp |
| Fresh Thyme | 1 tsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Toss shrimp into the skillet, cooking until pink (about 2 minutes per side).
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Shrimp Linguine Marinara
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Linguine | 8 oz |
| Marinara Sauce | 2 cups |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh Basil (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Toss in fresh basil.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
- Toss cooked linguine with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
Learn More: For tips on creating authentic marinara sauce, visit Wikipedia’s Marinara Sauce Page.
6. Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Penne Pasta | 8 oz |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Heavy Whipping Cream | 1 cup |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | ½ cup |
| Sriracha | 2 tbsp |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Stir heavy cream, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha into the skillet. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss pasta with the sauce and return shrimp to the skillet. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Fusilli or Penne Pasta | 8 oz |
| Basil Pesto (store-bought or homemade) | ½ cup |
| Cherry Tomatoes (halved) | 1 cup |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté shrimp until pink, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Toss pasta with basil pesto, adding reserved pasta water for a creamy consistency.
- Mix in cherry tomatoes and shrimp. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Learn More: Discover the versatility of basil pesto on Wikipedia’s Pesto Page.
8. Lemon Pappardelle with Shrimp
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Pappardelle Pasta | 8 oz |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Lemon Juice | 3 tbsp |
| White Wine | ½ cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
Cooking Instructions:
Toss pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Cook pappardelle according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice and white wine, simmering until slightly reduced.
Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side.
9. Spicy Tomato Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Spaghetti | 8 oz |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1 tsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Tomato Sauce | 2 cups |
| Fresh Basil | 2 tbsp (chopped) |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
- Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Toss in fresh basil.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce. Adjust the consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
Learn More: Discover the origins of spaghetti on Wikipedia’s Spaghetti Page.
10. Shrimp Scampi Fra Diavolo
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Linguine | 8 oz |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Red Chili Flakes | 1 tsp |
| White Wine | ½ cup |
| Lemon Juice | 3 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic and chili flakes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Stir white wine and lemon juice into the skillet, simmering until slightly reduced.
- Toss linguine with the sauce and return shrimp to the skillet. Mix well and serve.
Learn More: For insights into Italian-American cuisine, visit Wikipedia’s Italian-American Cuisine Page.
11. Shrimp Pesto Zoodles
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Zucchini Noodles | 4 cups |
| Basil Pesto | ½ cup |
| Cherry Tomatoes (halved) | 1 cup |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Toss in shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in basil pesto and cherry tomatoes. Return shrimp to the skillet and combine. Serve immediately.
Learn More: Discover why zucchini is a favorite low-carb substitute for pasta on Wikipedia’s Zucchini Page.
12. Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Squid Ink Pasta | 8 oz |
| Cherry Tomatoes (halved) | 1 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| White Wine | ½ cup |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook squid ink pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes and white wine. Simmer until reduced slightly.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce. Return shrimp to the skillet and mix well. Garnish with parsley.
13. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Piccata
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Spaghetti | 8 oz |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Capers | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 3 tbsp |
| Heavy Cream | ½ cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in capers, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Toss spaghetti with the sauce and serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
14. Shrimp Scampi Greek Pasta
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Orzo Pasta | 8 oz |
| Feta Cheese (crumbled) | ½ cup |
| Kalamata Olives (sliced) | ½ cup |
| Lemon Juice | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook orzo according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Stir in lemon juice, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Toss cooked orzo into the mixture.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and combine. Serve warm.
15. Zucchini Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Zucchini Noodles | 4 cups |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 3 tbsp |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Toss in shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and return shrimp to the skillet. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
FAQs for Shrimp Pasta Recipes
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for these recipes?
Yes, just thaw shrimp in cold water before cooking.
2. Which pasta types work best with shrimp?
Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, and zucchini noodles are great options.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Shrimp pasta recipes are the perfect blend of bold seafood flavors and comforting pasta textures. From creamy Alfredo to zesty Mediterranean dishes, these 15 recipes offer something for every taste. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these meals are sure to impress.
Enjoy your culinary adventure!
