Chili Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Chili Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a fiery, garlicky, and utterly delicious fusion of Italian pasta and Asian-inspired spice. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich blend of garlic, chili flakes, olive oil, and a hint of butter, then tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine. The result? A mouthwatering dish that’s spicy, savory, and irresistibly satisfying.

This pasta dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors with a bit of a kick. The garlic adds aromatic depth, while the chili brings a lively heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet — and best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it captures the perfect balance between heat, flavor, and texture. The shrimp cook quickly and stay tender and juicy, while the garlic-chili oil coats every strand of pasta in a silky, spicy sauce.

What makes it even better is its simplicity — just a few pantry staples come together to create a restaurant-quality dish.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this Chili Garlic Shrimp Pasta because:

• It’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite.
• It’s fast and easy — done in less than 30 minutes.
• It’s versatile — can be adjusted for mild or extra spicy tastes.
• It feels fancy and restaurant-worthy, yet made with everyday ingredients.
• It’s healthy, protein-rich, and can be customized with vegetables or whole wheat pasta.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Italian / Fusion
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti or linguine
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Shrimp:

• 400 g (14 oz) large shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5–6 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust per spice level)
• 1 small red chili (optional, finely sliced for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup pasta cooking water
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the pasta until al dente, reserve some pasta water.
2. Season and sauté shrimp until pink; remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and chili in olive oil and butter.
4. Toss in pasta, reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and shrimp.
5. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan; serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (1 minute less than package instructions).
• Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
• Season with paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp and cook 1½–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
• Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic-Chili Sauce

• In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
• Add remaining olive oil and butter.
• Add minced garlic and chili flakes, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic).
• Add lemon zest and a splash of pasta water to deglaze the pan.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with sauce.
• Return shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice, and toss everything together.
• Add a bit more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately with a slice of lemon on the side.

How to Serve

Serve Chili Garlic Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished with:

• Fresh parsley or basil
• Lemon wedges for a zesty finish
• A sprinkle of Parmesan or chili flakes (optional)

Pair it with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Green salad with light vinaigrette
• A glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and sweetness.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they become rubbery if cooked too long.
• Reserve pasta water — it helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
• Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing chili flakes.
• Add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Butter adds richness, but you can use all olive oil for a lighter version.

Variations

1. Creamy Version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half after the garlic for a rich sauce.
2. Tomato Twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste or cherry tomatoes for a zesty flavor.
3. Asian Fusion: Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil for umami depth.
4. Vegan Option: Substitute shrimp with tofu or mushrooms and use vegan butter.
5. Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended — shrimp and pasta can lose texture when frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or water over low heat to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving for too long.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large nonstick or stainless-steel skillet
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Fine grater (for lemon zest and Parmesan)
• Colander (for draining pasta)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Use less chili flakes or omit fresh chilies entirely.

Q3: Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair work beautifully.

Q4: Can I add cheese?
Yes, but add Parmesan sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the garlic-chili balance.

Q5: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through — don’t overcook.

Conclusion

Chili Garlic Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate quick-fix meal that brings together heat, flavor, and freshness in one stunning bowl. The combination of spicy chili, aromatic garlic, juicy shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it an unforgettable dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or a dinner date, this recipe delivers gourmet taste in under 30 minutes — a true weeknight hero and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.