Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This spicy garlic shrimp pasta brings together tender linguine, juicy seared shrimp, blistered cherry tomatoes, and a vibrant garlicky and spicy sauce made with olive oil. It strikes that perfect balance of flavor and heat, making it a fantastic choice for a quick yet impressive dinner. It has become a regular request in my house, especially on busy weeknights when I want something delicious but easy to prepare.

I first made this during a busy week, and it instantly became my go-to comfort meal that even the pickiest eaters ask for again and again.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp offer a juicy and meaty bite, frozen with tails off is convenient and often fresher
• Linguine: a slightly wider pasta that holds the sauce well, though tagliatelle or rigatoni can work too
• Cherry tomatoes: add sweetness and a burst of juiciness which balances the heat and garlic
• Shallots: provide a mild aromatic flavor, if you cannot find shallots, finely diced red onions are a good substitute but avoid white or yellow onions for different taste profiles
• Paprika powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes: create the layered spicy kick essential to the dish
• Extra virgin olive oil: is crucial for a rich sauce base, pick a good quality one you enjoy the flavor of
• White wine: adds acidity and depth, if you avoid alcohol, seafood stock or vegetable broth can replace it
• Pasta water: offers starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta, so be sure to reserve some when draining
• Fresh parsley: brings freshness and color, easily available and adds an herbal note
• Fresh lemon juice: livens up the entire dish, balancing the richness with bright citrus
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated adds nutty umami and richness to finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Cook linguine in generously salted boiling water following the package instructions until just al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining. This water will help create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

Sauté the Shrimp:

While the pasta cooks, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan on medium heat. In a bowl, toss shrimp with a tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add shrimp to the pan and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until just cooked through and slightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes:

Add three more tablespoons of olive oil to the same pan. Add halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, finely diced shallots, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes blister and soften but the garlic does not burn. Reduce heat as needed to avoid bitterness.

Add the Sauce:

Pour in the white wine and reserved pasta water, letting the mixture gently simmer for about one minute. This step melds the flavors and starts to thicken the sauce.

Combine Ingredients:

Add chopped parsley, cooked linguine, and sautéed shrimp back to the pan. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce and warm the shrimp. If the sauce feels too thick or does not cling well, add a little more pasta water to loosen it up.

Finish and Serve:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and taste to adjust salt and pepper. Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for that final richness and aroma.

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Storage Tips

Store leftover spicy garlic shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid overcooking during reheating since shrimp can become rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find linguine, tagliatelle or rigatoni work well though the mouthfeel will differ slightly. For a gluten-free option, any gluten-free long pasta will do. If you avoid alcohol, use seafood stock or vegetable broth instead of white wine. For less spice, reduce or omit red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs nicely with a light side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to offset the richness. A simple baby spinach salad with lemon dressing complements well. Crusty bread makes a great accompaniment for mopping up the flavorful sauce.

Cultural Context

Garlic shrimp pasta is a beloved Italian-inspired dish that showcases simple ingredients elevated by fresh herbs, a touch of spice, and the magic of high-quality olive oil. It is a modern comfort food favorite for seafood lovers who enjoy a little heat.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, work well. Frozen shrimp with tails removed are easier to eat and often fresher.

→ Can different pasta shapes be used?

While linguine is recommended for its sauce-clinging properties, other long pasta like tagliatelle or rigatoni can be substituted.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Reduce or increase cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat intensity without compromising flavor.

→ Is white wine necessary in the sauce?

White wine adds acidity and depth, but can be replaced by seafood stock or vegetable broth if preferred.

→ What is the purpose of pasta water in the sauce?

Pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce cling smoothly to the linguine, creating a silky texture.

→ How to prevent garlic from burning while cooking?

Cook garlic over medium heat, lowering it as needed when sautéing to avoid bitterness from burning.