Blackened Shrimp Pasta is a tasty dish that’s full of flavor! Juicy shrimp get a little kick from spices while sitting atop a bed of creamy pasta. Yum!
It’s super quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights. I love serving this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra pop. Trust me, you’ll love it! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works great, but feel free to swap with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Shrimp: Large shrimp are preferred for their meaty texture. If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp will work too—just be sure to thaw them properly first.
Smoked Paprika: It gives that special smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika is fine but without the smokiness. You can also try chipotle powder for an added kick!
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you want less heat, you could skip it or replace it with a bit of crushed red pepper for flavor without too much heat.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk. They won’t be as rich, but still delicious!
How Do I Get the Shrimp Perfectly Blackened?
Getting that blackened crust on the shrimp is all about the right heat and cooking time. Follow these tips to make sure your shrimp turn out perfectly!
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the shrimp. It should sizzle when they hit the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook shrimp in batches if necessary to allow them to cook evenly and get that nice blackened color.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side; watch closely to avoid overcooking! Overcooked shrimp can get tough.
- Let the cooked shrimp rest for a minute before serving to help retain moisture.
Enjoy cooking your Blackened Shrimp Pasta! It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! 😊
Blackened Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This mouthwatering dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook, making it ready to serve in roughly 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Blackening Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This blend will give your shrimp a flavorful blackened finish.
3. Season the Shrimp:
Using paper towels, pat the shrimp dry to ensure they sear nicely. Toss the shrimp in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then coat them evenly with the blackening spice mix.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are blackened and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
5. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
6. Create a Creamy Base:
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the pan to add flavor. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Combine Everything:
Introduce the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat everything thoroughly. Then, add the blackened shrimp back to the skillet and mix gently to combine and heat everything through.
8. Finish and Serve:
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if you like.
Enjoy your flavorful, spicy Blackened Shrimp Pasta! It’s sure to be a hit! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the spice mix. You can also substitute it with a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor without the heat!
What Pasta Alternatives Can I Use?
You can use any pasta you like! Whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles (zoodles) make great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times according to your pasta choice.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.