If you’re looking to whip up a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors but still quick and healthy, Spicy Shrimp Pasta is a fantastic choice. This dish combines tender shrimp with whole wheat noodles, fresh vegetables, and a zesty tomato sauce, creating a perfect balance of heat and nourishment. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this recipe promises to bring excitement to your dinner table in just about 30 minutes.
Why We Love This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe
You’ll appreciate how fast this dish comes together without sacrificing taste. The mix of spicy arrabbiata sauce with garlic and fresh veggies gives every bite a satisfying kick. Using whole wheat pasta adds a wholesome texture and extra fiber, making the meal feel hearty and nourishing. Plus, the shrimp cooks quickly and stays juicy, adding a lovely protein boost. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for you to prepare even when time is tight.
Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Here’s what you need for this colorful and spicy pasta dish:
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccini noodles
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (25-ounce) jar spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce
- 1 pound raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed frozen shrimp works well)
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta Directions
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your whole wheat noodles following the package instructions until they reach al dente, meaning they should be firm but not hard when bitten.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet, Dutch oven, or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets along with the chopped red and yellow bell peppers. Sprinkle in the kosher salt. Let the veggies cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep them from burning.
Next, add the minced shallot to the skillet. Keep cooking for another 3 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the shallots begin to brown slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook just long enough to release its aroma—about 30 seconds.
Pour in the jar of spicy arrabbiata sauce. Raise the heat to bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Stir in the raw shrimp, letting them cook gently in the sauce until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes around 5 minutes.
Once the shrimp are done, drain the pasta. Immediately toss it into the sauce, mixing thoroughly so that every strand is coated with the rich, spicy sauce and the shrimp and veggies are evenly spread throughout.
Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley and, if you like, grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve it hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Serving this pasta fresh and warm is the best way to enjoy its full flavors. You can plate it simply as is, or pair it with a crisp green salad to add some crunch. A side of garlic bread complements the spicy tomato sauce perfectly, soaking up every bit of deliciousness. For an added touch, you might drizzle a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon over the top to brighten the dish. This pasta works well as a standalone meal thanks to its protein and vegetable content, making it satisfying and complete for your dinner table.
Expert Tips: Spicy Shrimp Pasta
To make sure your shrimp stays tender and juicy, avoid overcooking. Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch for the moment they change color to pink and become opaque; that’s when they’re done. If you’re pressed for time, using thawed frozen shrimp is a great shortcut without losing flavor or texture.
When choosing your pasta, whole wheat options add a nutty flavor and a boost of fiber. You can also experiment with other noodle shapes, such as linguine or fettuccine, to vary the mouthfeel. For more heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sauté them with the garlic.
Fresh parsley adds a lovely herbal note and brightens the dish, but if you don’t have any, basil or cilantro can be good alternatives. Lastly, remember that Parmesan is optional; it adds creaminess and depth but keeping the dish dairy-free works well too.
How to Store Spicy Shrimp Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta and sauce will keep well for up to three days. When reheating, use a gentle heat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain the shrimp’s texture. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but storing it properly ensures you can savor it again without losing too much flavor or quality.
Variation of Spicy Shrimp Pasta
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. If you want a milder flavor, swap the spicy arrabbiata sauce for a regular marinara or tomato basil sauce. For a different protein, chicken or firm tofu can be excellent alternatives, cooked similarly in the sauce.
To add more veggies, consider mixing in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These will cook quickly with the sauce and add variety. If you prefer gluten-free options, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of whole wheat.
For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of ricotta or a splash of coconut milk toward the end of cooking. This softens the heat while adding a rich texture. Lastly, topping your plate with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts brings a crunchy contrast that’s delightful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spicy Shrimp Pasta
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Whole wheat spaghetti or linguine are ideal choices as they hold the sauce well and add a nutty flavor. However, fettuccine or any pasta you prefer can be used.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Spicy Shrimp Pasta?
Yes, thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly and helps save time. Just make sure they are properly thawed and drained before cooking.
How spicy is the Spicy Shrimp Pasta?
The heat mainly comes from the spicy arrabbiata sauce. You can adjust the spice level by choosing a milder sauce or adding extra chili flakes if you want more heat.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. When ready, simply reheat it and add the shrimp to cook fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Spicy Shrimp Pasta keeps well and can be portioned into containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti or linguine or fettuccini
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large head broccoli (cut into florets, about 5 cups)
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper (chopped into ½-inch pieces)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped into ½-inch pieces)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 shallot (minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce (25 ounces)
- 1 pound raw large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook whole wheat noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and bell peppers with kosher salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced shallot; cook for another 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and shallots begin to brown. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the spicy arrabbiata sauce and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Stir in raw shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and toss it into the sauce, mixing thoroughly. Finish with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
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