Name: Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 14 ounces spaghetti (400 grams); 14 ounces pre-cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined (400 grams); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30 grams); 6 large fresh tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic; 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 chili pepper (of your choice); Salt to taste; A handful of fresh flat leaf parsley

There’s something so satisfying about a pasta dish that brings a little kick and plenty of flavor to your dinner table. This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe combines juicy shrimp and vibrant tomatoes with a gentle heat that’s just right – trust me, it’s one of my go-to quick meals that never disappoints.

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

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a perfect balance of simple ingredients and bold flavors that come together so quickly. I love how it’s both comforting and a little adventurous, making weeknight dinners feel special without a ton of fuss.

Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver on busy nights when you want something fresh and flavorful.
Fresh Ingredients: Using whole tomatoes and fresh garlic really elevates the sauce beyond any jarred pasta sauce you’ve tried.
Flexible Spice Level: You control the heat by choosing your favorite chili pepper, making it mild or fiery as you like.
Perfect Company Dinner: It looks and tastes impressive, yet is incredibly easy to pull together when friends drop by unexpectedly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe works in harmony, creating layers of flavor and texture. The fresh tomatoes make the sauce bright and natural, while the butter adds richness without overpowering. Shrimp cooks quickly, giving you that tender seafood bite, and a touch of soy sauce deepens the umami flavor. Here’s a quick rundown on why these key ingredients shine.

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: It holds onto that nice, saucy coating perfectly and is the classic pasta choice for such a vibrant dish.
Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Using pre-cooked shrimp speeds up cooking—just toss it in at the end to warm through so it stays tender.
Unsalted Butter: Adds a luscious texture and mellow flavor, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
Fresh Tomatoes: When chopped and cooked down, they create a fresh, slightly chunky base that beats canned sauce every time.
Garlic: Thinly sliced so it infuses the sauce with that signature pungent warmth.
Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley: Gives the dish a fresh burst and a pop of green color that feels bright and lively.
Soy Sauce: Just a splash enhances the depth of flavor and adds a subtle savory note.
Chili Pepper: It’s your heat maker—choose your favorite type and spice level to customize the dish.
Salt: Season to taste, especially after the soy sauce, to ensure perfect balance.

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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’ve played around with this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe quite a bit and love how customizable it is. Sometimes I swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles in summer, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for extra brightness. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your taste—it’s forgiving and adapts beautifully.

Variation: Once, I added a handful of baby spinach near the end, which wilted perfectly into the sauce and bumped up the nutrition without stealing the show.

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

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions—al dente is best! I usually salt the water generously to give the pasta some flavor from the inside out. While it cooks, keep an eye on the sauce so everything finishes simultaneously.

Step 2: Create the Tomato Sauce Base

In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add your chopped tomatoes and cook them down for about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce looks too thick, don’t hesitate to add a few spoonfuls of water to keep it saucy and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Chili for Heat

While tomatoes are softening, peel and thinly slice your garlic and slice your chili pepper according to how spicy you want the dish. Toss them into the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring gently to release their aromatic flavors into the sauce.

Step 4: Finish with Shrimp, Parsley, and Seasoning

Finally, add the pre-cooked shrimp and chopped parsley to the sauce along with a splash of soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 4-5 minutes just until the shrimp is warmed through. Give it a taste and season with salt if you need to. The shrimp should stay tender and the sauce rich and lively.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Drain your spaghetti, then toss it right into the pan with the sauce. Mix well so every strand gets coated in that spicy, buttery tomato goodness. I like to serve immediately while everything is hot and fresh.

Top Tip

Making this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe was a game-changer when I realized how a few simple tricks make all the difference. Here are the best tips I’ve learned, so you can avoid common pitfalls and nail this dish every time.

Don’t Overcook Your Shrimp: Since your shrimp are pre-cooked, add them last and only warm through. Overcooking shrimp makes them rubbery – trust me, I’ve been there.
Use Fresh Tomatoes: They really brighten the sauce’s flavor; canned tomatoes tend to be too acidic or bland in this context.
Adjust Chili to Taste: Start with less if you’re unsure—it's easier to add more spice than take it away once it’s in the pot.
Reserve Pasta Water: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of pasta cooking water helps loosen it up and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and a few shavings of Parmesan for that subtle salty creaminess. If you want an extra pop, a drizzle of good olive oil adds richness and gloss to the plate.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette pairs perfectly, balancing the richness and heat of the pasta. For something heartier, garlic bread with a crispy crust is always welcomed around my table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate and top with a whole chili pepper as a fun heat-warning decor. Adding microgreens or edible flowers can elevate the look and delight guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though the pasta tends to soak up more sauce over time so it’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated gently.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze this dish since the shrimp can become rubbery and the tomatoes separate after thawing. But if you want to freeze, separate pasta and sauce before freezing—the sauce freezes better than the whole dish together.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long or on high power to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use raw shrimp instead of pre-cooked?

Yes, you can definitely use raw shrimp! Just add them to the pan earlier—about 3-4 minutes before finishing with parsley—to ensure they cook through without becoming tough.

How spicy is this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

The spice level depends on the chili pepper you choose. I prefer a mild chili, but you can use anything from jalapeño to bird’s eye chili. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to get your perfect heat level.

Can I substitute spaghetti with another pasta shape?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, this sauce works great with linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses regular spaghetti. However, you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it hits so many marks—flavorful, quick, and versatile. I love sharing it with friends and family when I want to impress without stress. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it really feels like a warm hug on a plate, with just the right amount of fire!