Description
Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Garlic is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked with garlicky tomatoes and a spicy kick, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances bold heat, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or any time you crave a vibrant, satisfying seafood pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seafood
- 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings and Others
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water to use later for adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to build the base flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start releasing their juices, forming a light sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, toss once more, and serve immediately for a bright, vibrant flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best aroma and flavor instead of pre-minced garlic.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce texture and help it cling to the pasta.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes gradually to control the level of spiciness.
- Let the pasta rest for a minute off the heat to allow flavors to meld perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: spicy shrimp pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, tomato pasta, quick seafood pasta, spicy pasta recipe, easy shrimp dinner, weeknight pasta