Spicy Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or defrosted from frozen)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Pasta & Sauce
- 6 oz pasta, I used rigatoni
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ teaspon sugar
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Extra Parmesan
- Chives
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sesame oil for 30 minutes.
- Cook the pasta one minute before al dente per package instructions and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat oil in a pan and sear the shrimp on high for one minute per side, then remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for a minute, then stir in gochujang and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring until well combined.
- Add the reserved pasta water and pasta, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and return the shrimp to the pan.
- Serve in a bowl and optionally garnish with Parmesan and chives.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a bowl of spicy, creamy pasta. This Spicy Creamy Shrimp Pasta is packed with flavor and studded with bouncy shrimp. Seared shrimp in a gochujang-infused sauce generously coats your favorite pasta for a super tasty meal that deserves a rotation in your weekly menu. It’s exciting and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. If you love a little heat in your food, this recipe is going to be an instant favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes!
The Secret to a Smooth Sauce
The key to a smooth, restaurant-quality sauce is reserved pasta water. The starch from the pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a silky consistency that clings to every bite. Be sure to stir constantly as the sauce thickens, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
Should Shrimp Be Fresh or Frozen?
Shrimp is the ultimate protein boost that is high in protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. Shrimp is also very versatile, readily absorbing the marinade flavors and cooking quickly. A quick sear and final toss in the pan are all it takes to cook the shrimp in this recipe.
Fresh shrimp has the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp works just as well, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights. Be sure to thaw properly and pat dry before marinading. You’ll want to be sure the marinade has a chance to work its magic before searing the shrimp.
Why Spicy Creamy Shrimp Pasta is So Reliable for Meal Prep
This Spicy Creamy Shrimp Pasta isn’t just quick and flavorful, it’s also a fantastic meal prep option. The creamy, gochujang-infused sauce reheats beautifully, making it just as delicious the next day. Shrimp cooks in minutes, and the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for batch cooking or prepping ahead. Whether you’re making extra for lunch the next day or planning an easy weeknight dinner, this pasta holds up well, ensuring you have a delicious, hassle-free meal ready to go whenever you need it.
