Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Shrimp Spaghetti! This cherished Italian-American dish masterfully blends succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp with al dente spaghetti, all generously coated in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. It’s a culinary symphony that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance to any dining table. Imagine a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully comforting, yet surprisingly quick to prepare—that’s the magic of shrimp spaghetti. Like many classic Italian recipes, its brilliance lies in the simplicity of high-quality ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, allowing each component to truly shine.
This recipe invites you to bring the vibrant flavors of Italy right into your kitchen. The velvety, tomato-based sauce clings beautifully to every strand of tender spaghetti and each plump shrimp, promising a delightful bite every time. What makes this particular shrimp spaghetti recipe stand out is its incredible efficiency—it’s ready in just 30 minutes! This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and flavorful without spending hours at the stove. Yet, the addition of tender shrimp elevates it beyond a typical weeknight meal, giving it an appeal perfect for a romantic date night or impressive enough for entertaining guests. It’s a dish that manages to be both light and filling, a truly delicious paradox.
For those who adore shrimp and pasta, you might also enjoy exploring my Cajun Shrimp Scampi with Pasta for another exciting flavor adventure.
Why You’ll Adore This Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe
This Shrimp Spaghetti isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it has become a staple in many homes and why you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with it:
- Unmatched Comfort: Few dishes can soothe the soul quite like a perfectly crafted pasta, and this shrimp spaghetti truly excels. The warm embrace of the rich tomato sauce combined with tender pasta evokes a sense of home and happiness. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for unwinding after a long day or sharing with loved ones around the dinner table.
- Incredibly Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. While delicious on its own, it readily adapts to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to toss in your favorite seasonal vegetables like vibrant bell peppers, tender zucchini, or nutrient-rich spinach. Want to change the protein? Scallops, chicken, or even a mix of seafood would work beautifully. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your family’s unique tastes.
- Remarkably Simple: Sometimes, the most uncomplicated dishes deliver the most profound flavors. This shrimp spaghetti exemplifies that principle. With straightforward ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality meal. The beauty lies in letting quality ingredients speak for themselves, without unnecessary fuss or complexity.
- Quick & Convenient: In today’s fast-paced world, finding a meal that is both healthy and fast is a treasure. This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. Forget lengthy prep times; this dish proves that impressive flavors don’t have to demand hours in the kitchen.
- Elegant Yet Approachable: The delicate nature of shrimp paired with a vibrant tomato sauce gives this dish a sophisticated appeal, making it suitable for entertaining. Yet, its ease of preparation keeps it grounded and approachable for everyday dining. It strikes the perfect balance between casual and chic.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Shrimp Spaghetti
Crafting this delightful dish starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed shrimp spaghetti:
- Shrimp: The star of our dish! Opt for fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best flavor and texture. Shrimp is an excellent choice for pasta dishes as it’s low in calories, high in protein, and cooks incredibly fast. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen shrimp (thawed properly) will work just as well. Feel free to substitute with other proteins like chicken, scallops, or even make it vegetarian with extra vegetables if you wish.
- Shrimp Spices: A simple yet powerful blend of dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper perfectly seasons the shrimp, enhancing its natural sweetness and providing a savory depth. Don’t underestimate the impact of these foundational seasonings. You can always adapt this blend with a pinch of paprika for color or a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Sauce Base: Our luscious tomato sauce gets its rich body and vibrant flavor from a combination of tomato purée and diced tomatoes. The purée provides a smooth, concentrated tomato essence, while the diced tomatoes add texture and a fresh, bright acidity. Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) is added to create a savory base, thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency while infusing it with extra flavor.
- Sauce Spices & Aromatics: Beyond the tomatoes, the sauce truly comes alive with a blend of classic Italian seasonings, fresh basil, and the aromatic duo of garlic and onion. Italian seasoning typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, providing a complex herbal backdrop. Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, are crucial for that authentic, fragrant Italian taste. Garlic and onion, sautéed until fragrant, form the foundational flavor layer of the sauce, creating a velvety and irresistible coating for the pasta and shrimp.
- Spaghetti: The classic choice for a reason! Spaghetti’s long, slender strands are ideal for coating with a rich sauce. However, this recipe is highly adaptable to your preferred pasta shape. Linguine, fettuccine, or even shorter pasta like penne or rigatoni would be excellent alternatives, each offering a slightly different textural experience while still holding the sauce beautifully.
- Garnish: To finish this masterpiece, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil are essential. The Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth and creamy richness, while the fresh basil contributes a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous aroma that truly brings the dish together.
How To Master Shrimp Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Shrimp Spaghetti is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency and maximum flavor. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time:
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp. Begin by thoroughly patting the shrimp dry with a kitchen towel. This crucial step helps ensure the shrimp will sear nicely and achieve a beautiful golden crust, rather than steam. Once dry, generously season the shrimp with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend.
Step 2: Expertly Cook the Shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp begins to turn opaque and a vibrant pink color. Shrimp cooks very quickly, and overcooking will make it tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye on it. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the shrimp to a clean plate and set aside. We’ll add it back to the sauce at the very end.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics. Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, as the fond from the shrimp adds flavor!), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds the aromatic foundation of our sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer with Broth. Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth into the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this process is called deglazing and adds immense flavor to your sauce). Let the broth simmer gently for about a minute, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate its savory notes.
Step 5: Develop the Tomato Sauce. Add 1 cup of tomato purée and a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine thoroughly and cook the sauce for about 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Now, incorporate the sauce spices: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasonings, 5-6 roughly chopped fresh basil leaves, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for the flavors to fully develop and deepen, creating a rich and complex tomato sauce.
Step 6: Perfectly Cook the Spaghetti. While your sauce is simmering and developing its flavors, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente—firm to the bite, not mushy. Before draining, remember to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water; it’s a secret ingredient that can help emulsify and thin your sauce if it becomes too thick. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti thoroughly.
Step 7: Combine Shrimp and Noodles with Sauce. Add the drained cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the simmering tomato sauce. Immediately follow with the cooked shrimp. Using tongs, gently toss the spaghetti and shrimp in the sauce for about 2 minutes. This step allows the pasta to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce and helps everything come together beautifully. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of your reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Immediately. To complete your masterpiece, generously sprinkle the shrimp spaghetti with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a final flourish of chopped fresh basil. Serve hot, and watch as this homemade Italian delight disappears in moments!
Expert Tips to Elevate Your Shrimp Spaghetti
Achieving a truly outstanding Shrimp Spaghetti is all about paying attention to a few key details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish is nothing short of perfect:
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning the Shrimp: The initial seasoning of the shrimp is incredibly important. The blend of oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper doesn’t just flavor the shrimp; it also creates a delicious base that contributes to the overall depth of the dish. Ensure the shrimp is well-coated before cooking.
- Cook Spaghetti to Al Dente Perfection: This is a golden rule for all pasta dishes. Cook your spaghetti just until it’s al dente, meaning it’s slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its structural integrity, especially when mixed with sauce. It’s always better to slightly undercook it as it will continue to cook a little when tossed in the hot sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your cooked pasta, always scoop out about ½ to 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This cloudy, flavorful liquid is a chef’s secret weapon. It contains starch that helps emulsify the sauce, making it silkier and more cohesive. If your sauce becomes too thick while simmering or after adding the pasta, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of this reserved water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce Together: Once the spaghetti is cooked, don’t just serve the sauce over it. Instead, add the drained pasta and cooked shrimp directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes over low heat. This step ensures that every strand of pasta is thoroughly coated with the flavorful sauce and allows the pasta to absorb the rich flavors, rather than just having sauce sit on top.
- Use Quality Ingredients: While this recipe is simple, the quality of your ingredients makes a big difference. Opt for fresh, plump shrimp, ripe canned tomatoes, fresh garlic and onion, and good quality olive oil. Fresh basil, in particular, adds an incomparable brightness.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before combining it with the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Different brands of broth or canned tomatoes can vary in sodium content, so tasting as you go ensures a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Shrimp Spaghetti
Shrimp Spaghetti is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience even further. Here are some of my go-to accompaniments:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad is always an excellent counterpoint to the richness of pasta. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, or a more elaborate Caprese Salad with creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, provides a wonderful fresh contrast.
- Cheesy Popovers or Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with something to soak up that delicious sauce! Warm, fluffy Cheesy Popovers or slices of crusty Homemade Garlic Bread are perfect for this. The savory garlic and herbs complement the Italian flavors of the main dish beautifully.
- Roasted or Sautéed Vegetables: For an additional boost of nutrition and flavor, consider a simple vegetable side. Parmesan Asparagus, roasted broccoli, or Baked Brussels Sprouts tossed with a touch of olive oil and seasoning offer a healthy and delicious complement. The slight char and tender-crisp texture of roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with the pasta.
- White Wine: To complete the meal, consider pairing your shrimp spaghetti with a crisp, dry white wine. A Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light-bodied Chardonnay would beautifully complement the seafood and tomato sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Storing and Reheating Your Shrimp Spaghetti
One of the beauties of a great pasta dish is that it often tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Shrimp Spaghetti to enjoy later:
Storing: To maintain freshness and quality, allow any leftover shrimp spaghetti to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Properly stored, it will keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-5 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week.
To Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the key is to reheat gently to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and the pasta from drying out. For best results, place the desired portion in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water (1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help rehydrate the sauce and create steam. Stir gently and heat until warmed through, usually 3-5 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering the dish with a lid or damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between.
Freezing: Shrimp spaghetti can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Shrimp spaghetti can be frozen for 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat using the skillet method described above, adding a bit more broth or water as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Spaghetti
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Shrimp Spaghetti:
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a convenient, cost-effective, and readily available option that works perfectly. The most important thing is to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker method, place the sealed bag of shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes until thawed. Always pat dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.
Shrimp cooks very quickly and changes color dramatically as it cooks. You’ll know it’s done when it turns opaque and pink, curling into a “C” shape. The texture should be firm but still tender, not rubbery. Be vigilant and avoid overcooking, as this is the most common mistake and can make shrimp tough. Depending on the size, cooking time is usually 1-2 minutes per side in a hot skillet.
Spaghetti is the classic and traditional choice for this dish, as its long strands are excellent for catching and holding the rich tomato sauce. However, you can certainly experiment with other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine, which offer a slightly wider surface area. Shorter, textured pastas like penne or rigatoni can also work well if you prefer a different bite that captures chunks of sauce and shrimp.
Yes, and it’s highly encouraged! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to boost flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Bell peppers (any color), zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or fresh spinach are wonderful additions. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic at Step 3, or add softer vegetables like spinach towards the end of the sauce’s simmering time so they wilt perfectly.
Absolutely! Using fresh, ripe tomatoes can add a wonderfully bright and seasonal flavor, especially during peak summer months. If using fresh, aim for about 2-3 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes (such as Roma or plum tomatoes). You’ll need to cook them down in the skillet a bit longer than canned diced tomatoes, until they soften and break down, forming a sauce-like consistency before adding the broth and other seasonings.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily add a spicy kick! Incorporate ½ to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the sauce along with the Italian seasonings. You can also add a finely minced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper during the sautéing of the aromatics to infuse a deeper level of spice throughout the dish.
Yes, absolutely! The main component containing gluten is the spaghetti. Simply substitute traditional spaghetti with your favorite brand of gluten-free spaghetti or other gluten-free pasta shape. Ensure any chicken broth used is also certified gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
More Delightful Pasta Recipes
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Angel Hair Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Creamy Gochujang Pasta
- Italian Pastina Pasta
This Shrimp Spaghetti recipe is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and simple cooking. It features succulent shrimp seasoned with aromatic oregano and garlic, served over perfectly al dente spaghetti, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The dish is beautifully elevated with the addition of sweet sautéed onion, pungent garlic, fragrant fresh basil, and a generous sprinkle of salty Parmesan cheese, creating a truly satisfying and utterly delicious meal that’s ready to impress in just 30 minutes. It’s a testament to the fact that extraordinary meals don’t need to be complicated.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy making and savoring this fantastic Shrimp Spaghetti recipe. If you try this recipe or any of my other culinary creations, please consider leaving a star rating in the comment section below. Your feedback is invaluable! Also, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest for all of my latest social posts, delicious recipes, and kitchen inspiration.
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Shrimp Spaghetti
Ingredients
For Shrimp
- 1 lb fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato puree, from the can
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 8 ounce spaghetti
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pat dry the shrimp with a kitchen towel and season it with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp starts to turn pink. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and butter. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add tomato puree and diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook the sauce for 2 minutes. Add in the Italian seasonings, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot with generously salted water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with the shrimp and toss in the sauce for 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Finally, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Look for fresh, firm shrimp with a mild smell. Avoid shrimp that smells fishy or has a slimy texture. If using frozen shrimp, defrost completely before cooking and pat dry.
- Shrimp cooks fast, so be careful not to overcook it. It only needs about 1-2 minutes per side in the skillet to turn pink and opaque.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes after adding the tomatoes and seasonings. This helps meld the flavors together and allows them to deepen.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve some of the starchy pasta water. You can use it to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick or to help it emulsify and cling better to the pasta.
Nutrition
Calories: 1505kcal | Carbohydrates: 133g | Protein: 94g | Fat: 69g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 623mg | Sodium: 6038mg | Potassium: 2916mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 3369IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 757mg | Iron: 15mg