Spicy Shrimp Pasta

A flavorful, weeknight-friendly =Spicy Shrimp Pasta dish combining tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a spicy arrabbiata tomato sauce. Whole wheat noodles add heartiness, while garlic and parsley bring bright depth to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s fast — ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

• The spice from the arrabbiata sauce gives bold flavor without overpowering.

• It’s balanced — vegetables, lean protein, and whole wheat pasta in one pan.

• Minimal fuss — one skillet for cooking sauce and shrimp, plus a pot for pasta.

• Easy to customize — adjust heat, swap vegetables, or change the sauce base.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• whole wheat spaghetti (or linguine/fettuccini)

• extra‑virgin olive oil

• broccoli florets

• red bell pepper, chopped

• yellow bell pepper, chopped

• kosher salt

• shallot, minced

• garlic, minced

• spicy arrabbiata tomato sauce

• raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• fresh parsley, minced

• grated Parmesan (optional)

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente per the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Add broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, and salt. Let cook for about 2 minutes.

3. Add the minced shallot and continue cooking until the vegetables are crisp‑tender and the shallot starts to brown, about 3 more minutes.

4. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Stir in the arrabbiata sauce, bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

6. Add the shrimp and simmer until cooked through — they turn pink and opaque — about 5 minutes.

7. Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat and distribute shrimp and vegetables evenly.

8. Sprinkle minced parsley and grated Parmesan over top. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 5

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or sauce to loosen if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between.

FAQs

What type of pasta should I use?

You can use spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccini — whole wheat or regular — whichever you prefer.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

How spicy is this dish?

It has moderate heat thanks to the arrabbiata sauce. You can tone it down by using a milder sauce or increasing vegetables.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes — substitute with gluten‑free pasta, and ensure your sauce has no gluten ingredients.

What other vegetables can I add?

Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work well when stirred in toward the end.

Can I skip the Parmesan?

Yes, it’s optional. The dish is flavorful enough without it, especially with the parsley.

Is it okay to make this ahead of time?

You can cook all components ahead and combine just before serving. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque — no longer than about 5 minutes.

Can I add protein instead of shrimp?

Yes — chicken, tofu, or white beans can substitute. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve it with?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables complement this dish nicely.

Conclusion

Spicy Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant, satisfying recipe that delivers flavor, protein, and colorful vegetables in a single dish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. With its balance of heat, garlic, and fresh elements, it’s sure to become a regular in your pasta rotation.

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