Easy Spicy Shrimp Pasta Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

harissa paste

🥗Healthier: sriracha

💰Cheaper: red chili paste

Sriracha offers a similar heat with fewer calories.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they blister and release juices, about 5 minutes. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and lemon juice, stirring to combine.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If too dry, add more reserved pasta water. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.

Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped herbs and grated Parmesan cheese, then serve immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens