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This Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti is the perfect weeknight meal that’s easy to make, delicious, and so satisfying. Have dinner ready in just 30 minutes when you make this shrimp pasta.
Recipe Overview
Shrimp Spaghetti is such a comforting pasta dish, perfect for busy weeknights! Juicy, garlicky shrimp on a bed of spaghetti, with bright red baby tomatoes and vibrant green spinach. It’s simple but loaded with flavor from the seasoned seafood broth. I love how filling and delicious this pasta dish turned out! Don’t like shrimp? Make it with any other protein like chicken or salmon chunks.
If you love shrimp, you may also like my Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp or my Easy Shrimp Fajitas.
Tips before you get started
- Do not overcook the pasta. You want it to be al dente.
- You can use frozen raw shrimp. Allow it to thaw, clean, and drain.
- Any other tomatoes you have on hand will work.
- I like using fresh spinach, but if you have frozen and want to use what’s on hand, that’s fine. Thaw and drain the liquid first.
- There are protein pasta options out there that you can use.
Common questions
If you want to swap the shrimp with another protein, you can. Try using chicken breast, beef, or salmon chunks.
Yes. If you have frozen packaged shrimp, you can use them. I suggest you thaw the shrimp, clean and drain them.
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store in a sealed container.
Yes. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Freeze in covered airtight containers or freezer bags. You can also wrap with aluminum foil or freezer wrap.
Ingredients you’ll need
Below is a list of ingredients you will need and what you can swap them with to make it work. Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.
- Spaghetti: Or you can use fettuccine. For those watching their macros and want to keep that protein intake high, consider using a high-protein and low-carb pasta.
- Raw Shrimp: You can buy these peeled and deveined to save on time. If you have frozen already on hand, thaw and clean before use.
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil will work too, or any oil on hand.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These come in packets or are soaked in oil in a jar. For this recipe, I used the ones you find in packets. I have to say, though, that the ones in oil are softer and way more flavorful.
- Veggies: I use cherry tomatoes and some fresh spinach. Frozen spinach will work.
- Garlic Cloves: I recommend you use fresh garlic. The flavor will be way better than using garlic powder.
- Smoked Paprika
- Seafood Broth: You can use vegetable broth instead if you prefer.
- Lemon Wedges (to serve): This can be optional.
How to make Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, add pasta and cook al dente. Rinse, drain, and set aside. (Sometimes I like to save 1/4 cup of the pasta water to use later when the dish is almost ready).
- Cook the broth: In a skillet with oil, add garlic, then sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and broth. Cook until softened.
- Add the shrimp and spinach: Add the shrimp and spinach to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes. You want the shrimp to turn pink and curl up like a C, and the spinach is wilted.
- Combine with pasta: Add the pasta with the shrimp sauce in the skillet, and toss well, until nicely coated. At this point, if you reserved some pasta water, you can add it in and toss. Taste and add in some more salt and pepper if you like.
Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Fettuccine or spaghetti, whole wheat, or whole grain
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 4-6 Garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 ounces Sun-dried tomatoes chopped, about 1/4 cup
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 1 cup Fish or seafood broth, or vegetable broth
- 1 pound Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups Packed baby spinach
- Lemon wedges, to serve with
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces Fettuccine or spaghetti and stir well. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta well with cold water and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon Olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crushed 4-6 Garlic cloves and cook until fragrant.
- Add 4 ounces Sun-dried tomatoes chopped, 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked paprika, and 1 cup Fish or seafood broth. Reduce the heat to low and cook until tomatoes are slightly softened, about 5 minutes
- Add 2 cups Packed baby spinach and 1 pound Raw Shrimp; cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are cooked through and the spinach is wilted for about 3 minutes.
- Add the pasta and toss well until it is nicely coated with the sauce. Serve with optional Lemon wedges and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta: use any other pasta of choice
- Spinach: Can use any other leafy greens like arugula or kale
- Shrimp: use any other protein of choice
- Broth: seafood or veggie broth
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What to serve with shrimp spaghetti
This shrimp spaghetti is a great meal on its own, but you can amp it up with some roasted vegetables like this Brussels sprouts recipe, parmesan baked spaghetti, or balsamic grilled zucchini. You can also serve with some cheesy garlic bread or homemade bread rolls.
More pasta recipes
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta
- Creamy Wild Mushroom Pasta
- Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Cheeseburger Pasta
- Asian Shrimp Zucchini Noodles Recipe
- Vegetarian Pasta Salad
This was amazing. Thank you.
Oh my goodness this was amazing!! Tasted like it should be in a restaurant.
Glad you liked it!
My boyfriend and I enjoyed the recipe but it wasn’t amazing. It’s good but not great.