Name: EASY Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490243H30M9S
Total time: PT-490243H30M9S
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine); 3/4 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined); 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (plus more if needed); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp lemon juice or white wine; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil; Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; Optional: 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes; Optional: 2 tbsp heavy cream

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This easy shrimp pasta is a quick, satisfying dish full of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a light, flavorful sauce. Whether I go for a garlicky butter base or a creamy tomato twist, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and always feels like a restaurant-quality meal. I love making it on busy weeknights when I want something fast, fresh, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this shrimp pasta comes together with just a few ingredients and one pot. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the sauce can be as simple or as rich as I want. It’s versatile, comforting, and easy to dress up or down depending on what I have in the kitchen. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Olive oil or butter
Garlic
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Lemon juice or white wine (for brightness)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley or basil
Optional: grated Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, or a splash of cream

Directions

I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
I add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. I remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, I add more oil or butter if needed, then sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds.
I deglaze the pan with lemon juice or a splash of white wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
I return the shrimp to the pan along with the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to bring it all together.
I toss everything to coat, adjust the seasoning, and finish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan if I want.
I serve it immediately while hot and fresh.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 2–3 people, but I often double it for a bigger batch. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook. In total, I can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of cream for a creamy shrimp pasta, or stir in cherry tomatoes or spinach for a fresher twist. When I want a deeper flavor, I use sun-dried tomatoes or add a touch of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp. For a lighter version, I skip the cheese and go heavier on the lemon and herbs.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving shrimp too long, as it can turn rubbery—gentle reheating is best.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw frozen shrimp under cold water and pat them dry before cooking. They work perfectly in this recipe.

What’s the best pasta to use?

I usually go with spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine, but short pasta like penne or rotini works too.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, I add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to kick up the heat.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

I cook them just until pink and firm, usually 1–2 minutes per side, then remove them from the pan right away.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, I skip the cheese and use olive oil instead of butter. The flavor is still rich and satisfying.

Conclusion

This easy shrimp pasta is one of my favorite fast dinners—simple, flavorful, and always satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving guests, it’s a dish that feels special without being complicated. Once I’ve made it a few times, it becomes a go-to recipe I can tweak and adapt with whatever I have on hand.