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; 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 chili pepper (of your choice); A handful of fresh flat leaf parsley; Salt to taste

There's something so satisfying about the zing of heat balanced with juicy shrimp and tender pasta. This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a perfect weeknight winner — quick, packed with flavor, and super comforting. I love how the simple ingredients come together to make a dish that's as vibrant as it is easy.

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 has become one of my go-to dishes when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s got this magical combo of spicy, buttery, and fresh that always hits the spot—and the prep is a breeze.

Speedy preparation: You can have this on your table in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Fresh and vibrant flavors: The tomatoes, garlic, and chili come alive with just a bit of butter and soy sauce.
Versatility: Easily adjustable spice levels and add-ons make it a crowd-pleaser no matter what you like.
Satisfying and hearty: Those plump shrimp and al dente spaghetti bring texture and protein to the table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe plays a starring role—whether it’s the shrimp’s sweetness, the tang of fresh tomatoes, or the kick from chili peppers. Shopping tip: opt for fresh, ripe tomatoes and good-quality shrimp for the best results.

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 holds the sauce well and cooks quickly.
Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Saves cooking time and usually has that perfect texture. Just warm through to avoid toughness.
Unsalted Butter: Adds a luscious richness without overpowering the bright tomatoes and chili.
Fresh Tomatoes: Bring natural sweetness and acidity, creating the base for the sauce.
Garlic: Essential for that warm, aromatic punch that every great pasta sauce needs.
Flat Leaf Parsley: Offers a fresh, slightly peppery finish that complements the heat.
Soy Sauce: Adds subtle umami depth and balances the acidity of tomatoes nicely.
Chili Pepper: You control the spice – swap varieties depending on how fiery you want it.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors – add to taste once you’ve mixed everything.

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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 this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe depending on what mood I’m in. Sometimes, I add extra garlic for a punch, or swap the chili for smoked paprika for a different smoky heat. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level or toss in extra veggies to make it your own.

Variation: I once added spinach and mushrooms for a heartier meal, and it was surprisingly delicious—adds color and nutrients too.
Diet-friendly tweak: For a low-carb version, try spiralized zucchini instead of spaghetti. The sauce still shines perfectly.

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 Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your spaghetti according to the package instructions, but keep an eye so it stays al dente—firm to the bite, not mushy. I usually reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s clutch for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In a large frying pan, melt the butter over high heat. Then add your chopped fresh tomatoes and cook them for 3-4 minutes. If it looks a bit dry, splash in a few tablespoons of water to help it break down into a juicy sauce. This quick simmer brings out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and makes the sauce vibrant.

Step 3: Amp Up the Flavor

While the tomatoes are cooking, peel and thinly slice your garlic. Wash and slice the chili pepper (adjust based on your heat preference). Add both to the pan and cook everything together for about 5 minutes. The garlic gets fragrant, and the chili infuses the sauce with subtle heat—don't rush this step!

Step 4: Add Shrimp & Finish

Now toss in the pre-cooked shrimp and toss in finely chopped parsley too. Add the soy sauce and stir to combine. Let everything heat through for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp is warm and the flavors meld. Taste and season with salt if needed. This finishing step is where it all comes together.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Drain the spaghetti and mix it directly into your pan with the flavorful sauce. Give it a good toss so every strand gets dressed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Top Tip

From cooking this a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference. These small details help you get perfect texture and flavor every time you make this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe.

Don’t overcook shrimp: Since they’re pre-cooked, you just want to warm them through. Overheating turns them rubbery.
Use fresh tomatoes when possible: They break down quickly and give the sauce a bright, fresh vibe.
Control your heat: Start with less chili than you think you need—you can always add more after tasting.
Reserve pasta water: If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of that starchy water for silky perfection.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and sometimes a few shavings of Parmesan if I’m feeling indulgent. A squeeze of lemon juice freshens it up beautifully and balances the heat. For crunch, toasted breadcrumbs scattered on top add a delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a simple crusty baguette rounds out the meal perfectly and helps soak up all that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this dish in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley on top and a small chili on the side as a visual cue to the spice level. You can even garnish with edible flowers if you want to add a pop of color and sophistication. It’s surprisingly easy to dress up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The shrimp and pasta hold up well but the fresh brightness in the sauce dims a bit, so I recommend eating it as soon as you can for the best flavor.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this pasta since the shrimp texture and fresh tomato sauce can change when thawed. But if you must, freeze in portions without pasta and thaw gently. Reheat the sauce and shrimp before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but do it in short bursts and stir to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use raw shrimp instead of pre-cooked?

Absolutely! Just add raw shrimp to the sauce a few minutes earlier and cook until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 3-4 minutes, but keep an eye to avoid overcooking.

How spicy is this recipe usually?

The spice level depends largely on the chili pepper you choose. I use a mild chili but you can easily swap for hotter varieties or add more to suit your heat preference.

Can I substitute soy sauce?

You can, but soy sauce adds a subtle umami that’s hard to replace. If avoiding soy, try a splash of Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos as an alternative.

What's the best way to reheat this pasta without losing flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce silky and avoid drying out the shrimp. Microwave can work too, but stir often and heat in short bursts.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining simplicity with bold flavors. It’s one of those dishes I keep returning to, whether for a quick solo dinner or to share with friends over good conversation. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite weeknight staple too.