A plate of fettuccine pasta topped with plump, juicy shrimp. The pasta is coated in a creamy sauce, and the dish is garnished with fresh basil leaves. The image is accompanied by the text "7 Best Shrimp Recipes with Pasta: Delicious Dishes for Every Occasion."

When it comes to quick and delicious meals, shrimp and pasta make a perfect pairing. The sweet, delicate flavor of shrimp complements various pasta types and sauces, creating satisfying dishes that are easy to prepare. I will share seven of the best shrimp recipes with pasta that can elevate your cooking and impress your guests.

These recipes range from creamy to zesty, catering to different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these shrimp pasta dishes offer something for everyone. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward while delivering rich flavors that will leave a lasting impression.

Table of Contents

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A plate of spaghetti pasta coated in a creamy lemon sauce. The pasta is garnished with fresh basil leaves, crumbled ricotta salata, and lemon zest, creating a bright and flavorful dish.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple and delicious dish. It features tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over pasta. This meal is quick to prepare, making it great for busy evenings.

To make this dish, I start with basic ingredients: shrimp, garlic, butter, and pasta. I usually choose spaghetti or linguine for the best results.

Here’s how I prepare it:

Cook 8 ounces of pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in 1 pound of shrimp, cooking until they turn pink (about 2-3 minutes).

Drain the pasta and toss it with the shrimp and garlic butter.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley to taste.

This dish combines flavors seamlessly and is appealing to many. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!

2. Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

A plate of spaghetti with large shrimp. The pasta is coated in a lemony sauce, and the shrimp are cooked to a light pink color.

Lemon Shrimp Scampi with Linguine is a delightful seafood dish. It combines tender shrimp with a flavorful lemon-garlic sauce, served over linguine pasta.

This recipe is quite easy to make. I can whip it up in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

To prepare this dish, I start by cooking the linguine according to package instructions.

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Next, I add the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.
I then squeeze fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest, mixing everything together.

Finally, I toss the cooked linguine into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is coated with the sauce.

I sometimes finish with a sprinkle of parsley for color. This dish is satisfying and easy, making it a favorite in my kitchen.

3. Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

A plate of fettuccine pasta with large, plump shrimp. The pasta is coated in a creamy, pink sauce, and the dish is garnished with fresh parsley. It looks like a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a delicious dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce with seasoned shrimp and pasta. It offers a unique blend of flavors from Cajun spices, making it both savory and satisfying.

I find this dish easy to prepare. It typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Here are the steps I follow to make it:

Cook the Pasta: Boil water and cook 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix 1 pound of shrimp with Cajun seasoning. I usually use about 2 tablespoons for a nice kick.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce is smooth.

Combine: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.

This recipe is a quick and satisfying meal that I can enjoy any night of the week.

4. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

A plate of fettuccine pasta with shrimp, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. The dish looks rich, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal.

Creamy Tuscan shrimp pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich and creamy sauce. It is inspired by Tuscan flavors and features sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach.

I find this recipe easy to make, even on a busy night. The ingredients come together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To prepare this dish, I follow these steps:

Cook the pasta: Boil your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. I usually use fettuccine or penne.

Sauté the shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. I add shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until pink.
Add garlic and tomatoes: I then stir in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute.
Create the sauce: Next, I pour in heavy cream and let it simmer briefly. I mix in fresh spinach until wilted.

Combine everything: Finally, I toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir until everything is well coated.

This dish is not only tasty but also visually appealing. The combination of colors and flavors brings a touch of Italy to my kitchen.

5. Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Spaghetti

A plate of spaghetti tossed with a vibrant tomato sauce and topped with large, juicy shrimp. The sauce looks rich and flavorful, and the dish is garnished with fresh parsley. It looks like a classic Italian dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a classic Italian dish known for its spicy tomato sauce and tender shrimp. Typically served with spaghetti, it offers a perfect balance of flavors.

I find this dish easy to make, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks. The key ingredients include shrimp, tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Here are the steps I follow:

Cook Spaghetti: Boil water and add salt. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Sauce: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in canned tomatoes (diced or crushed) and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Cook Shrimp: Add peeled shrimp to the sauce and cook until pink, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and shrimp.

This dish is full of flavor and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. It’s a delicious way to enjoy shrimp with pasta!

6. Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

A plate of spaghetti tossed with a vibrant pesto sauce, garnished with plump shrimp and halved cherry tomatoes. The dish looks fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a light summer meal.

Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with creamy pesto sauce and fresh tomatoes. This meal is quick to prepare and bursts with color and taste.

To make this dish, I start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. I usually use spaghetti or fettuccine for a good texture. While the pasta cooks, I sauté shrimp in olive oil over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.

Next, I add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Once the pasta is ready, I drain it and toss it into the skillet with the shrimp and tomatoes.

Finally, I mix in a few tablespoons of pesto sauce, giving everything a good stir to combine. I like to season it with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

7. Shrimp and Spinach Penne in White Wine Sauce

A plate of creamy shrimp and spinach pasta. The pasta is coated in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with large, plump shrimp and fresh spinach. It looks like a decadent and satisfying meal.

Shrimp and Spinach Penne in White Wine Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and pasta in a light, flavorful sauce. It is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To prepare this dish, I begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Next, I add minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute until fragrant. I then add shrimp, cooking them for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. After that, I toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt.

Once the spinach is soft, I pour in white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. The wine adds a rich depth of flavor. Finally, I mix in the cooked penne and season with salt and pepper to taste.

This dish is quick to make, typically taking around 30 minutes from start to finish. Enjoying Shrimp and Spinach Penne in White Wine Sauce brings a taste of elegance to any meal.

How Do You Pair Wine with Shrimp and Pasta Dishes?

When selecting wine to pair with shrimp and pasta dishes, I focus on how different flavors complement each other. The right wine can enhance the meal and bring out the best in both the seafood and the pasta.

What Are the Best White Wines for Shrimp Pasta?

I often choose white wines to complement shrimp pasta. Crisp and refreshing options work well because they balance the richness of the dish. A few top choices are:

Sauvignon Blanc: Its acidity cuts through the richness of creamy sauces, enhancing flavors.

Pinot Grigio: Light and zesty, this wine pairs beautifully with garlic and herb-based pasta.
Chardonnay: If I opt for a buttery sauce, a lightly oaked Chardonnay adds depth without overpowering the shrimp.

I recommend serving these wines chilled, as their crispness makes each sip enjoyable alongside the meal.

How Can You Explore Red Wine Pairings with Shrimp Pasta?

While white wine is a popular choice, some red wines can also work well with shrimp pasta. I prefer lighter reds to avoid overpowering the delicate seafood. Here are a few selections:

Pinot Noir: Its fruity notes and subtle tannins complement shrimp dishes without being too heavy.
Gamay: This wine is light-bodied and fruity, making it a great match for tomato-based shrimp pasta.

When choosing red wine, I focus on balance. Opting for wines with lower tannins ensures that the shrimp remains the star of the dish.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp Pasta Meals?

Shrimp pasta meals offer a range of nutritional benefits. These dishes are not only flavorful but also provide essential nutrients that support a healthy diet.

How Does Shrimp Pasta Provide Protein and Vitamin Content?

Shrimp are an excellent source of protein, which is vital for muscle growth and repair. Just a 3-ounce serving of shrimp can provide around 20 grams of protein. This helps me feel full and satisfied after a meal.

In addition to protein, shrimp are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamin B12, which supports my nervous system and helps with red blood cell formation. Shrimp also contain selenium, an antioxidant that plays a key role in metabolism and thyroid function.

When combined with whole grain pasta, I’m adding fiber and additional nutrients to the dish. Whole grains provide a slower release of energy and help keep my digestive system healthy.

Why Is Shrimp Pasta a Low-Calorie and Low-Fat Option?

Shrimp pasta meals can be a great choice if I’m looking to maintain a healthy weight. Shrimp are low in calories, with about 60 calories per 3-ounce serving. This makes it easier to enjoy a satisfying meal without overindulging.

Furthermore, shrimp are low in fat. Most of the fat content comes from healthy unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. When I prepare shrimp with a light sauce or sautéed vegetables, I can keep the dish low in calories and high in flavor.

Choosing the right pasta, like whole grain or legume-based varieties, can further reduce calories and increase nutrients. This way, I can enjoy a delicious shrimp pasta meal while staying within my nutritional goals.