This Easy Italian Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty meal perfect for any night! Juicy shrimp are tossed with al dente pasta and a simple, flavorful tomato sauce.
It’s so simple that even I can make it without burning water! You’ll love how the fresh herbs make it feel special, while it comes together in no time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using spaghetti for this dish, but other pastas such as fettuccine or penne work great too! If you’re gluten-free, explore using lentil or quinoa pasta for a healthy twist.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp are just fine as well. They are usually peeled and deveined, which saves time. If you prefer a different protein, chicken or even tofu can fit in here nicely.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor, but if you don’t have it, any cooking oil will do. Avocado oil or grapeseed oil can be tasty substitutes without altering the dish much.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes make a quick sauce, but if you have fresh tomatoes, that works beautifully too. You can also use tomato sauce or passata if you want a smoother texture.
White Wine: Dry white wine adds depth, but if you’d prefer to skip it, chicken broth adds great flavor too! You can even use lemon juice or extra broth if you want to keep it alcohol-free.
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Cooking shrimp is quick, and it can be easy to overcook them! Here’s how to ensure they stay juicy:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding shrimp. This will sear them quickly.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Take them off the heat as soon as they are cooked. The residual heat will keep cooking them further.
Following these steps ensures you’ll have perfectly tender shrimp every time! Just remember, they cook fast, so stay nearby.
Easy Italian Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or 1 1/2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp each dried basil, oregano)
- Juice of half a lemon
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the shrimp and pasta, and about 20 minutes putting it all together in a delicious Italian-style dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti or preferred pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining it!
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Next, add in the diced tomatoes, white wine (or chicken broth), and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 4-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the lemon juice. Stir everything to combine and heat through for an extra 1-2 minutes. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce. If it looks a little dry, pour in some of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right!
5. Serve It Up:
Gently mix in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve hot and sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your delicious, easy Italian shrimp pasta!
FAQ about Easy Italian Shrimp Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking for even results. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love a bit more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Additionally, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance, then toss with the cooked pasta just before serving. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy your meal again!
