Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Are you a pasta lover? Is a fiery kick something you crave in your food? If so, you will love this shrimp pasta recipe!
This one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a quick yet flavorful meal. This dish comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it a godsend for those short on time.
Spicy Shrimp Pasta is a delectable Italian-style dish that combines the bold flavors of traditional Italian cuisine with spice. This straightforward recipe will impress even the most discerning palate.
The combination of succulent shrimp, fiery chilies, and aromatic herbs makes a delicious meal. It works with both regular and gluten-free pasta.
So grab your apron and prepare a delectable spicy pasta recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
It’s appropriate to notice this delicious pasta recipe. Everyone in the family will love it right away because:
- Easy recipe: If you’re short on time but want to wow your family and friends with a delicious dinner, this is the easiest pasta recipe.
- Few Ingredients: This pasta meal may be made with just a few essential ingredients, making it the best you’ve ever eaten.
- It’s quick: Only a few easy steps are needed to make this recipe. So, you’ll have pasta dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes!
- Satisfying Meal: Pasta is a filling food that makes you feel full. This is your best meal if you’re hungry and want to eat something good.
- Budget Friendly: This pasta meal is less expensive and nutritious than regular restaurant prawn pasta and tastes better.
Ingredients For Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Penne pasta: Feel free to use any pasta. All kinds of pasta will work well. Pasta variations, including rigatoni, penne, spaghetti, and farfalle, are some of my favorites.
- Prawns: If using frozen prawns, ensure that they are completely thawed. I adore peeled tiger shrimp for this recipe, but you can also use any type of prawns you prefer.
- Green chilies: Every chili has a different heat intensity. Adjust the number of chilies you put according to your liking.
- Garlic: Garlic is an essential component.
- Olive oil: I prefer using high-quality olive oil to guarantee the presence of tasty and rich ingredients. Choose a more impartial oil such as avocado or grapeseed.
- Parsley (Optional): Freshly cut parsley pairs perfectly with garlicky shrimp pasta. Just before serving, add and sprinkle some on top as a garnish.
- Hard cheese, e.g., vegetarian hard cheese, parmesan cheese, etc. (Optional): I always love to top my pasta with grated Parmesan to give it an extra creamy, rich flavor.
How To Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta?
I start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, I drain it, rinse it with cold water, and set it aside.
Next, I take the chilies and garlic, processing them together in a spice chopper or food processor until they form a roughly chopped mixture. If desired, you can finely chop them instead.
Then, I heat oil at medium heat and stir-fry the chili-garlic mixture until it fills the air with its delightful aroma, usually about 2-3 minutes.
Once the mixture is fragrant, I add the shrimp to the pan, cooking them until they turn opaque. Then, I add the pasta, tossing it until it’s thoroughly coated with the chili-garlic blend, about a minute before turning off the heat. You can taste at this point and season with salt and pepper if desired.
Lastly, I sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated cheese over the top before serving… adding a final touch of flavor.
Storage suggestions
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- To Reheat: You can reheat it in a pan over the stovetop or microwave. To avoid drying the pasta, reheat it gently with water or broth.
- To Freeze: Is it possible to freeze prawn pasta? Although it is feasible, doing so reduces the texture’s retention. Thus, avoid the freezer altogether.
Pro Tips
- I strongly recommend using raw shrimp because their sweetness enhances the flavor of the pasta dish. Cooked prawns may become a little rubbery and bland when cooked with pasta; therefore, adding them is not recommended.
- Constantly stir the shrimp, and do not overcook. As soon as the shrimp turns opaque, switch the heat off.
- Adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water while making the sauce will improve the dish’s flavor.
- Drizzle a little more olive oil and a squeeze of lemon before serving if you like.
Substitutions And Additions
Here are some suggestions and alternatives to improve and customize your spicy pasta recipe.
- Different Veggies: To increase the dish’s flavor and texture, add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, red bell pepper, broccoli, peas, and mushrooms, if you like.
- Protein swaps: Don’t just eat prawns or shrimp! You can use different types of protein, like lobster, chopped chicken, or sliced sausage, to get a unique flavor.
- Spice Level: Elevate the level of spice according to your taste. Add more chilies if you want it hotter.
- Fresh Herbs: To add more aroma and freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs. I prefer flat parsley, but you can always choose your preferred ones; oregano, basil, or cilantro are good options.
- Nutritional Yeast: If you like an extra savory, cheesy taste, top it with nutritional yeast before serving.
- Nuts and Seeds: For crunch and additional flavor, add some chopped almonds, sesame seeds, or toasted pine nuts.
What Goes Well With Spicy Shrimp Pasta?
Although this seafood pasta is enough to be served as a standalone dish, the following side dishes complement it well.
- Veggies: Shrimp and pasta go well with air fry butternut squash, stir-fried broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini.
- Salad: My favorite options are Arugula salads and Italian chopped salads.
- Bread: To add extra fiber and texture, serve with a slice of whole grain or homemade garlic bread.
These side dishes are delicious and provide a range of nutrients and flavors. With these nutritious sides, you can have a fulfilling and well-rounded meal while enjoying your one-pot shrimp pasta.
FAQ
Why Are My Shrimp Tough and Chewy?
Because shrimp cook quickly, it’s easy to overcook them. Overcooking shrimp often makes them tough or chewy. Wait to cook the shrimp briefly; they should only be pink and not translucent. If you wait any longer, they’ll become tough. Shrimp usually cooks in 3-4 minutes.
How Long Should I Boil The Pasta To Ensure It’s Perfectly Cooked?
The pasta’s cooking time varies depending on its type and brand. If overcooked, it may become mushy; therefore, conduct a flavor test a few minutes before the recommended cooking time and adhere to the package’s instructions.
Super Quick And Easy Pasta!
This spicy shrimp pasta recipe offers a mouthwatering combination of flavor and texture that’s best for any gathering. It’s always impressive, whether you’re making it for a special event or just a quick midweek supper. Each bite has a balanced combination of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and fragrant spices.
So gather your ingredients, turn on the burner, and get ready to enjoy every bite of this delicious recipe!
Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Cooking pot
- Colander (or pasta drainer)
- Cooking pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked penne pasta (2.5 ounces)
- 4-5 ounces raw peeled tiger prawns
- 2-3 green chilies
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- A handful of chopped flat parsley optional
- Hard cheese i.e., vegetarian hard cheese, Parmesan, etc. (optional).
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling water according to its packaging instructions. Drain, run some cold water through, and set the pasta aside.
- Process the chilies and garlic together with a spice chopper of a food processor until you get a roughly chopped mixture. If you like, you can finely chop them.
- Heat the oil on a cooking pan and stir-fry the chili mixture until it releases aroma. It usually takes 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn opaque, then add the pasta. Toss around until all the pasta is covered with the chili-garlic mixture for about a minute before turning the heat off.
- Add parsley and cheese if using.
Notes
- You can use any other type of pasta you like.
- Every chili has a different heat intensity. Adjust the number of chilies you put according to your liking.
- Constantly stir the shrimp, and do not overcook. As soon as the shrimp turns opaque, switch the heat off.
- Drizzle an extra of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon before serving if you like.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutritional info in this recipe is only estimate using online calculator. You should refer to it as a guide only. Please verify with your own data if you seek an accurate info.
