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 & deveined; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 large fresh tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic; 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 chili pepper (mild or as preferred); Salt to taste; A handful of fresh flat leaf parsley

There’s something incredibly satisfying about diving into a plate of pasta that hits just the right notes of heat, garlic, and fresh tomato. This Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe delivers bold flavors with surprising ease—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a bit special without the fuss.

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

I remember the first time I made this spicy shrimp pasta late on a busy Tuesday, craving something quick, vibrant, and a little fiery. What I got was a perfect combo of juicy shrimp, a silky tomato sauce with just enough chili kick, and tender spaghetti swirled through it all. It’s quickly become my go-to comfort meal when I want flavor that wakes up the palate.

Speedy prep: From start to finish, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes—ideal when you want a delicious dinner without the wait.
Fresh ingredients: The vibrant tomatoes and fresh garlic create a sauce that feels homemade and bright, not heavy or overly processed.
Customizable heat: You control the spice level by choosing your chili pepper—mild or fiery, it’s all up to you and your mood.
Perfect balance: The butter smooths out the heat while the soy sauce adds an unexpected savory depth—trust me, it works!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Everything in this recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. The shrimp cooks quickly, soaking up the spicy, buttery tomato sauce, while the pasta acts as a perfect canvas. Let me walk you through the essentials and how to pick the best bits.

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: Choose good-quality dried spaghetti for a firm, al dente bite—this helps it hold up well when mixed with the sauce.
Pre-cooked shrimp: Using pre-cooked shrimp speeds up the process and prevents overcooking, but make sure they’re peeled and deveined for quick eating.
Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the spice from the chili.
Fresh tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes create a naturally sweet and tangy base for the sauce—skip canned if you want freshness to shine.
Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic gives that aromatic punch without overpowering, enhancing the depth of the sauce.
Fresh flat leaf parsley: Adds a herbaceous freshness at the end to brighten the whole dish.
Soy sauce: A surprising umami boost that deepens the flavor, giving just the right salty edge.
Chili pepper: Your choice here really sets the heat level—mild varieties keep it gentle, while hotter chilies deliver a kick.
Salt: To taste, making sure all flavors pop without being salty.

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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

One of my favorite things about this spicy shrimp pasta recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the heat depending on who’s at the table or swap the pasta shape depending on what I’ve got in the pantry.

Variation: I sometimes throw in a handful of baby spinach or arugula right at the end for a peppery note and some greens without extra steps.
Dietary adaptation: Use gluten-free spaghetti to keep this meal friendly for gluten-sensitive friends—you won’t lose any flavor or texture.
Protein swap: When shrimp isn’t available, grilled chicken strips work wonderfully, soaked in that spicy, buttery tomato sauce.

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 Spaghetti to Al Dente Per Packet Instructions

I always start with boiling the spaghetti so it’s ready right on time with the sauce. Cook it just until al dente—firm but not hard—because it’ll absorb some sauce when we mix it later. Reserve a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce toward the end.

Step 2: Build Your Sauce with Butter, Tomatoes, Garlic, and Chili

In a large frying pan, melt the butter on high heat and toss in your chopped tomatoes. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture starts to stick, splash in a bit of water to keep it saucy. Then add the garlic and chili slices—those flavors start to meld beautifully over the next 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Shrimp, Parsley, and Soy Sauce to Finish

Drop your pre-cooked shrimp into the sauce along with the chopped parsley and soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 4-5 minutes just to heat through and marry the flavors. Taste test here and add salt if you feel it needs a pinch. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp—they’re delicate and can get rubbery if left too long.

Step 4: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Serve

Drain your spaghetti, then gently fold it into the sauce. I like to toss everything together in the pan for a final minute so the pasta fully absorbs the spicy, garlicky sauce. Serve piping hot for the best experience.

Top Tip

Since I’ve made this spicy shrimp pasta recipe dozens of times, a few little tricks have really helped elevate the dish and keep it foolproof.

Don’t overcook shrimp: Because the shrimp is pre-cooked, just warm it through in the sauce—overcooking makes it tough and chewy.
Use fresh tomatoes: They give the sauce a bright, fresh flavor that canned just can’t match, especially during summer months.
Adjust chili gradually: Start light and add more after tasting so you don’t accidentally overpower the dish.
Reserve pasta water: A splash of that starchy water is magic for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to every strand.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top for color and brightness. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan can be lovely too, although it’s optional if you want to keep the flavors pure. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving amps up the freshness and cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Since the pasta itself is quite rich and flavorful, I usually pair it with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is a classic choice if you’re in the mood for something indulgent—and it’s perfect for mopping up leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving the spicy shrimp pasta in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. It feels festive and makes the meal feel like a restaurant-quality experience you can recreate at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch that reheats beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the sauce (without the pasta) in portions, which works well. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with freshly cooked pasta. Freezing pasta tends to change its texture, so I avoid freezing the entire dish assembled.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I add a tiny splash of water or broth to the pan and warm on medium heat to keep the sauce from drying out. Toss with pasta just before serving to maintain that perfect saucy coating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! If you prefer to use raw shrimp, add it to the pan once the sauce is simmering and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep them tender.

What kind of chili pepper works best for this Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe?

You can use whatever chili pepper you like based on your heat preference. For milder spice, go for jalapeños or fresnos. For more heat, serrano or bird’s eye chilies are fantastic. Just slice thinly and start with less—you can always add more!

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

To make a vegan or vegetarian version, swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use olive oil instead of butter. The soy sauce and chili will keep the sauce flavorful and spicy even without seafood.

How do I know when the sauce is ready?

You’ll want the tomatoes to have broken down and released their juices, creating a slightly thick but still saucy consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and smell fragrant with garlic and chili aromas—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes of cooking on medium-high heat.

Final Thoughts

This spicy shrimp pasta recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen for those busy evenings when I want something quick but packed with personality. Its vibrant sauce paired with tender shrimp always hits the spot, and I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own. Like good friends sharing a meal, it’s warm, welcoming, and just a little bit spicy—exactly how I like it.