A Historical Overview of Shrimp Pasta
Shrimp pasta is a dish with Mediterranean roots, where coastal communities relied heavily on seafood and paired it with fresh pasta. In Italy, shrimp has long been incorporated into light pasta dishes featuring olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Over time, Italian-American adaptations introduced bolder flavors, such as red pepper flakes and Parmesan, creating a more indulgent yet still approachable version. Today, shrimp pasta is beloved worldwide for its versatility, combining fresh seafood flavors with comforting pasta traditions
Shrimp Pasta – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Pasta is flavorful, light, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or elegant weekend dinners. Made with juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a touch of olive oil and garlic, it’s a dish that celebrates simple ingredients and bold flavors. Whether served as a quick family meal or a dinner party entrée, this recipe is versatile, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes. The hint of herbs and seasoning makes it a go-to pasta dish that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
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8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
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1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Toss in the cooked pasta, add shrimp back, and mix well.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice for brightness
For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup heavy cream before adding pasta
Try with zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb option
FAQ Section
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this pasta?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw completely, pat dry, and season well before cooking.
2. How do I prevent shrimp from turning rubbery?
Cook shrimp only until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them tough.
3. What side dishes go well with shrimp pasta?
Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a simple Caesar salad make excellent accompaniments to this dish.
