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

There's something simply irresistible about the way spicy, buttery shrimp mingle with fresh tomatoes and garlic, coating strands of pasta in vibrant flavor. This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe shines when you want a fuss-free dinner that delivers big on taste without spending hours in the kitchen.

A black frying pan filled with a mixed dish of spaghetti pasta, orange shrimp, red tomato pieces, slices of yellow and red chili, and chopped green herbs scattered on top. The spaghetti creates a base layer of pale yellow, with shrimp and tomatoes spread evenly on top, and the fresh green herbs add bright color contrast. Surrounding the pan are two whole red tomatoes placed on a white marbled surface, along with two chili peppers, one long orange and one shorter red. There are also two shiny silver forks lying next to the pan. 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

I genuinely love this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe because it’s one of those quick meals that never feel rushed or less special. The balance of spice, fresh tomatoes, and buttery shrimp makes every bite a delight. Plus, it's super easy to pull together on any weeknight.

Speedy Preparation: From start to finish, it takes just about 20 minutes, perfect when time’s tight but flavor is a must.
Fresh, Simple Ingredients: Using fresh tomatoes and garlic really makes the sauce pop, without complicated additions.
Customizable Heat: You control the chili level, making it mild or fiery based on your mood and guests.
One-Pan Sauce Magic: Cooking the shrimp right in the sauce keeps everything juicy and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe so reliable. Each one brings its own unique role, blending freshness and boldness perfectly while keeping the dish light and satisfying.

Flat lay of uncooked golden spaghetti neatly coiled, a small pile of fresh peeled and deveined pink shrimp, two tablespoons of creamy unsalted butter shaped as a small square slab, six plump ripe red tomatoes, three cloves of fresh garlic with smooth white skins, a handful of vibrant green flat leaf parsley sprigs, a single bright red chili pepper sliced in half lengthwise, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy dark soy sauce, all arranged symmetrically in balanced proportions on a simple white ceramic surface, placed 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: The classic pasta choice here, it soaks up the sauce beautifully and cooks quickly.
Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Using pre-cooked shrimp cuts down cooking time dramatically; just warm them through!
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without overpowering—the base for a silky sauce texture.
Large Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give the sauce brightness and a natural sweetness that balances the spice.
Garlic: Essential for that aromatic punch—fresh cloves, not powdered, make all the difference.
Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal lift at the end that keeps the dish vibrant and colorful.
Soy Sauce: A surprising twist that deepens umami and adds a subtle saltiness without overpowering the tomato’s freshness.
Chili Pepper: Your ticket to controlling heat; pick your favorite variety and slice thin for even spice distribution.
Salt: To taste—start sparingly and add as needed, especially because soy sauce adds salt too.

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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

I like to tweak the spice based on my mood—sometimes I go light if I’m serving this to family, but other nights I’ll add an extra chili or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes to turn up the heat. You can also swap spaghetti for linguine or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.

Variation: One time, I added a splash of cream right at the end to make a spicy shrimp pasta cream sauce that my partner absolutely adored.

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

A black pan filled with a rich orange and red tomato-based sauce with visible green leafy herbs mixed in. Plump orange shrimp are spread evenly throughout the sauce, some resting on a large white spoon inside the pan. The sauce looks thick with chunks of tomatoes and green herbs visible, creating a vibrant and colorful dish. In the background, there are blurred red, yellow, and green peppers on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Just Right

Start by boiling the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Don’t overcook it—just shy of al dente is perfect because it will finish cooking a bit when mixed with the sauce. I always keep an eye on the time and set a reminder so it doesn’t get mushy, which can happen quickly with thin pasta.

Step 2: Build Your Sauce with Butter and Fresh Tomatoes

Melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large frying pan set over high heat. Toss in chopped fresh tomatoes and let them cook down for 3-4 minutes. If the sauce looks too thick or starts to stick, add a splash or two of water—this keeps things nice and saucy without diluting the flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Chili for That Perfect Kick

Peel and thinly slice your garlic cloves. Wash your chili pepper(s) and slice them thinly too—I used one mild chili, but you can adjust to your liking. Add these to the pan and cook everything together for about 5 minutes. This step really infuses the sauce with that aromatic heat that makes the dish memorable.

Step 4: Finish with Shrimp, Parsley & Soy Sauce

Now toss in the pre-cooked shrimp and finely chopped parsley. Splash in the soy sauce and stir to combine everything well. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the shrimp is fully warmed through and everything’s nicely married. Taste and add salt if needed—remember, the soy sauce already brings in saltiness.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the pan with the sauce. Give everything a good toss so the pasta is coated evenly. Serve hot, maybe with some grated Parmesan if you like, and enjoy!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few handy tricks to make this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe consistently fantastic—these little touches make a big difference every single time.

Cook Pasta and Sauce Simultaneously: Start cooking your pasta just before the sauce so they finish around the same time—the fresh sauce tastes best right away.
Control Your Chili Heat: Always start with less chili. You can add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
Use Fresh Garlic: Slicing rather than mincing garlic gives a milder, more nuanced aroma that won’t overpower the sauce.
Don’t Skip the Soy Sauce: It boosts umami in a way regular salt can’t match—just add it gradually and taste frequently.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top—it adds fresh color and brightness. Sometimes I shave a bit of Parmesan if we’re in the mood for a creamy finish, and a twist of lemon juice really adds a lovely zing that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. Garlic bread on the side makes the meal feel extra comforting. If you want to keep it light, steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus work nicely too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving individual portions in shallow bowls layered with extra parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil. Sometimes, I'll arrange shrimp on top in a fan shape to show off their delicate texture—it makes the dish look elegant without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Because the shrimp can become a bit chewy over time, I recommend reheating gently and enjoying it soon rather than later for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze this dish because the fresh tomato sauce and shrimp textures don’t always hold up well after thawing. But if you must, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta to preserve quality better.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. Avoid microwaving too long or on high heat to keep shrimp tender and avoid drying out the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! If you prefer using raw shrimp, add them to the pan after the tomatoes have softened and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook, or they’ll become rubbery.

How spicy is this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

The spiciness depends on the chili pepper you use. I recommend starting with one mild chili and adjusting to taste. You can add more or less, or even swap for crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level perfectly.

Can I substitute the soy sauce for something else?

Absolutely! If you want to avoid soy or gluten, you can use coconut aminos, tamari, or simply a pinch of sea salt. Just remember that soy sauce adds a unique umami depth that salt alone doesn’t provide.

What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?

Spaghetti works beautifully for its ability to hold the sauce and cook quickly. However, linguine or fettuccine are great options as well. For a gluten-free or low-carb version, try zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that feels a bit fancy but is actually an everyday winner. I love how approachable it is—you don’t need a ton of ingredients or hours, just some fresh basics and a few simple steps. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your go-tos when you want something comforting with a spicy kick. Give it a try next time you want a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and downright delicious!