I’ve got a tasty dish for you: shrimp arrabbiata pasta. This meal is packed with flavor and makes a fantastic dinner option when you want something quick and satisfying. Plus, it has just the right amount of spice!
This recipe addresses rubbery shrimp, boosts tomato sauce flavor with seasonings, and balances sauce acidity using sugar or herbs.
Dinner time can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re trying to find a recipe that works for everyone. I often stress about making meals that are not only delicious but also cater to different dietary needs. This shrimp arrabbiata pasta checks all the boxes. It’s simple to whip up and really fills you up!
What I love about this dish is how fast it comes together. You can have it prepped and on the table in about 25 minutes. With just a few ingredients and tips to keep the shrimp from getting rubbery, you’ll have a comforting meal in no time. The spicy tomato sauce really adds a kick that’s hard to resist!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion , This shrimp arrabbiata pasta hits all the right notes. It’s got a spicy kick with a rich tomato sauce that warms you up.
- Quick and Easy , With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable , You can easily switch up the pasta or adjust the spice level with fresh peppers, making it a dish that suits your tastes perfectly.
- Leftover Friendly , If you have any leftover pasta, just pop it in the fridge for a quick meal later or freeze it for future cravings.
Ingredient Notes
- Penne pasta: This shape really holds onto the sauce. Grab whole grain for more texture, or swap it for rotini if you like curves!
- Shrimp: Fresh is key for a great bite! Make sure it’s peeled and deveined, but frozen works too, just thaw properly before cooking.
- Tomato sauce: Pick a good-quality sauce, as it’s the base flavor. You could go for crushed tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier style.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This adds richness to the dish. Go for cold-pressed, you can’t beat that fresh taste! Don’t stress; avocado oil can substitute.
- Onion: A small diced onion adds a sweet aroma as it cooks down. Use yellow onions for a classic taste or scallions for a milder kick!
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If shrimp becomes tough, a quick cook time of 2-3 minutes on each side will keep them tender and juicy.
- When cooking pasta, salting the water well can significantly improve the overall flavor of the dish.
- For a less acidic sauce, incorporate a teaspoon of sugar to mellow out the tomato flavor.
- If your pasta is sticky post-cooking, lightly tossing it with olive oil immediately after draining can help separate the strands.
- When using fresh chili peppers, consider adjusting the quantity based on your heat preference for an authentic kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair spicy shrimp pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve alongside a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- This dish works well in various recipes, such as pasta salads or seafood casseroles. You can also integrate it into meal prep for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil or a touch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Fresh herbs can provide a bright finish to the dish.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your spicy shrimp pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Without Shrimp: Place pasta in a freezer-safe bag, remove air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Recipe Variations
- You can swap shrimp with 1 pound of chicken or 1 pound of tofu for a different protein option.
- Add 1 cup of spinach or 1 cup of diced bell peppers to introduce extra nutrition and flavor.
- Either use 8 ounces of spaghetti or 8 ounces of fettuccine for a different pasta texture.
- If you’re cooking for fewer people, use 4 ounces of pasta and 1/2 pound of shrimp or adjust accordingly.
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
This Spicy Shrimp Pasta is a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, al dente penne, and a robust tomato sauce, all enhanced with fresh basil and a kick of crushed red pepper.
Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta (226 grams)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined (454 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (2 g)
- 3 cups tomato sauce (720 ml)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (15 g), roughly chopped, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Start by boiling a pot of water and adding the penne until it is al dente. It should have a slight bite, so keep an eye on it. After draining, toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Do not skip the oil or you may end up with a clumpy mess.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and toss in the shrimp. Cook them until they are pink and opaque, which should take just a couple of minutes per side. Be careful not to cook them too long, or they could turn tough and rubbery.
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan and throw in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, around two to three minutes. You want those aromas to fill your kitchen! Do not burn the garlic; it will turn bitter if it gets too brown.
- Stir in the crushed red pepper for that kick, followed by the tomato sauce. Let everything simmer on low heat for about five minutes, allowing those flavors to marry beautifully. If the sauce tastes too acidic, a pinch of sugar can tone it down, so just keep tasting!
- Combine the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce in the pan, along with the fresh basil. Mix it well until every piece is coated nicely. This is the moment to look for a nice, cohesive dish. If it seems dry, add a splash of pasta water to loosen things up.
- Dish out generous portions and sprinkle some extra basil on top for that fresh touch. The herbs will complement the spice and sauce beautifully. Just remember to keep it warm so it does not lose that comforting appeal!
Notes
Refrigerate any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days; can be frozen for up to 3 months without shrimp.
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