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

There's something about the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe that just lights up any dinner table. The juicy shrimp swimming in a buttery tomato sauce, kissed by garlic and chili, gives it a perfect balance between heat and heartiness you'll want to come back to again and again.

A white pan filled with a mix of spaghetti pasta, orange shrimp, diced red tomatoes, and green leafy herbs on top, all stirred together with small pieces of green and red chili spread evenly throughout. The pasta is light yellow and soft, while the shrimp have a slightly pink and firm look. The herbs add a fresh green touch, scattered across the dish. Around the pan are three whole red tomatoes and two chili peppers, one red and one orange, placed on a white marbled surface. Two silver forks lie side by side in the top right corner. 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 quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with bold, fresh flavors. It’s fast enough for a weeknight yet special enough to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect when time is short but taste matters.
Fresh and Flavorful: Fresh tomatoes, garlic, chili, and parsley give a bright, homemade vibe every time.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice level, whether you prefer a gentle warmth or full-on finger-tingling fire.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup since the sauce and shrimp cook together in one pan making dinner fuss-free.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together straightforward ingredients that play off each other beautifully. Picking fresh, ripe tomatoes makes all the difference, and using pre-cooked shrimp keeps things moving quickly in the kitchen.

Flat lay of a small bundle of uncooked spaghetti, a neat pile of peeled and deveined raw shrimp, a few large fresh red tomatoes, three whole garlic cloves with pale papery skins, one whole red chili pepper, a small handful of fresh flat leaf parsley sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, and a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically 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: Classic spaghetti holds up well with the saucy mix and is easy to find anywhere.
Pre-Cooked Shrimp: Saves time and keeps shrimp tender without overcooking.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce, balancing the acidity of tomatoes.
Fresh Tomatoes: The star of the sauce—freshness here really shines through for natural sweetness and acidity.
Garlic: Essential for that fragrant kick; thin slices bloom gently in the butter.
Flat Leaf Parsley: Adds a splash of color and a fresh, herbal brightness.
Soy Sauce: A surprising umami booster that deepens the flavor without making it salty.
Chili Pepper: Your choice here shapes how spicy the final dish gets—pick your favorite variety!
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, but be gentle since soy sauce adds saltiness too.

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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 love shaking this recipe up depending on what’s in my fridge. You can totally amp up the heat or keep it mild and cozy — the chili is where you make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap spaghetti for linguine or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist, and it works surprisingly well!
Protein Swap: While shrimp is fantastic here, I’ve used scallops or even firm white fish when shrimp is off the menu.
Add Veggies: I like to toss in fresh spinach or roasted bell peppers for some veggies and extra color.
Spice Levels: For a smoky heat, try smoked paprika along with your chili, or use fresh jalapeños if you love a sharper bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

A close-up of a black pan filled with cooked shrimp in a rich orange-red sauce mixed with chopped green leafy herbs and small bits of red chili, the shrimp are plump and evenly spread throughout the sauce, a white spoon lifts a portion of shrimp and sauce from the pan, and in the background, out-of-focus red, yellow, and green chili peppers and red tomatoes sit on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Perfectly

Start by boiling your spaghetti in salted water — follow the package instructions for al dente. Timing here is key because the pasta needs to be ready right as your sauce finishes cooking. Don’t forget to save a splash of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce

In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat and add your chopped fresh tomatoes. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally — if it looks a bit dry, splash in a couple of tablespoons of water. This quick cooking breaks down the tomatoes just enough to create a rich sauce without losing that fresh brightness.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chili

Thinly slice your garlic and chili pepper. Toss them into the pan with the tomato sauce and cook for another 5 minutes. This step perfumes the sauce with garlic’s warmth and the chili’s fiery notes. Keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t brown too much — you want it soft and mellow.

Step 4: Add Shrimp, Parsley, and Soy Sauce

Stir in the pre-cooked shrimp and a handful of finely chopped parsley. Pour in 1–2 tablespoons of soy sauce for a lovely umami boost. Cook everything together for 4–5 minutes until the shrimp are heated through. Taste your sauce and season with salt if needed — remember the soy sauce already adds saltiness.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Drain your spaghetti and add it straight into the pan with the sauce. Toss well to coat every strand with that spicy, buttery goodness. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe more times than I can count, and here are a few tricks I’ve picked up to make sure every bite is a winner.

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Since the shrimp are pre-cooked, just heat them through gently to keep them tender and juicy.
Control the Heat: Start with less chili and add more after tasting — it’s easier than fixing a sauce that’s too spicy!
Fresh Tomatoes Are Key: When possible, choose ripe and fragrant tomatoes; canned won’t give the same fresh pop.
Soy Sauce Balance: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re worried about salt—remember, you can always add more salt at the end.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top for a pop of green and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes, a light dusting of Parmesan cheese adds a creamy touch that contrasts nicely with the spice.

Side Dishes

For sides, garlic bread is a classic pairing—the buttery crunch complements this pasta beautifully. A simple mixed green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette also brightens the meal and balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m serving this for guests, I like to plate it in shallow bowls and top with extra chili slices or even a drizzle of chili oil. It’s a small touch that elevates the look and hints at the flavors within.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The pasta will soak up some sauce overnight, so I add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring back that lovely sauciness.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works best if you freeze the sauce and pasta separately. Shrimp can become a bit chewy when frozen, so I prefer making fresh shrimp if possible, but it’s still doable in a pinch.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce and help everything heat evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use raw shrimp instead of pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes! If you prefer to use raw shrimp, add them to the pan a bit earlier and cook until they turn pink and opaque, but watch closely to avoid overcooking.

How spicy is this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

The spice level depends entirely on the chili pepper you use. I recommend starting with a mild chili and then adding more to taste if you want extra heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go — the sauce and shrimp remain deliciously the same.

What can I serve on the side with this pasta?

I love serving garlic bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the spicy richness of the dish. Roasted vegetables also make a great pairing.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe has truly earned a spot in my regular meal rotation because it’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or craving a fuss-free dinner with a bit of a kick, this recipe has your back. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes one of your favorites too!