This easy shrimp pasta recipe looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and steps.
Published: April 1, 2025 by Lea
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If you’re looking for shrimp and pasta recipes that don’t take forever or require fancy ingredients, this one’s for you. It’s the kind of shrimp pasta recipe you can throw together in under 30 minutes, but it still looks and tastes like something way more impressive.
What I like about this recipe is how customizable it is. Don’t like a bit of heat? Skip the red pepper flakes. Not a fan of capers? Leave them out; I know they’re not for everyone. I do love the flavor fresh basil and parsley add, so I highly recommend you use some; but if you don’t have any or just want to keep things super simple, that’s totally up to you.
For this recipe, I use my homemade marinara sauce, and I highly recommend it if you’re like me and enjoy making things from scratch to keep in your pantry. But if not, no stress. A good store-bought marinara works just fine too.
Ingredients to make this easy shrimp pasta recipe:
- Linguine pasta
- Shrimps
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- My homemade marinara sauce
- Câpres (Optional)
- Red pepper flakes (Optional, if you don’t want a spicy kick at all)
- Salt & pepper
- Basil
- Parsley
Measurements are posted in the recipe card below the instructions.
Instructions to make Shrimp pasta recipe:
- Start by cooking your pasta following the instructions on the box. You want it al dente, so it still has a little bite to it. Before draining your pasta, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water and set it aside.
- While that’s boiling, get your shrimp ready. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, clean them if needed, and set them aside.
- In a large pan over medium heat, drizzle the olive oil and add your chopped onions and garlic. Let them cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you are using some. Stir and let that cook for another minute.
- Now add your shrimp and a spoonful of capers (capers are optional). Cook everything together for another minute, just until the shrimp start to turn pink.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, the chopped basil and parsley, mix them together, and let the sauce come to a gentle boil.
- Add your cooked pasta with the half cup of pasta water you set aside earlier, and mix everything well so the pasta is fully coated.
Top with a little more fresh parsley if you like. Serve it hot with cheesy garlic baguette on the side and enjoy!
If you tried this recipe, be sure to leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback!
Shrimp Liguine
Ingredients
- 1 box linguine pasta 500g
- 400 g shrimps
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ onions finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 750 ml marinara sauce
- 2 Tbsp câpres (Optional)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (Optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- Basil (I use fresh)
- Parsley (I use fresh)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to the box instructions until al dente. Keep 1/2 cup of pasta water aside for later before draining.
- While your pasta is cooking, Rinse and clean the shrimp.
- In a large pan, cook chopped onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes or until they start to become soft and golden. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you are using any). Mix everything and cook for another minute.
- Add the shrimp and capers. Stir and cook for 1 minute, just until shrimp begin to turn pink.Pour in the marinara sauce, then add chopped basil and parsley. Mix everything well and let it come to a boil.Add the cooked linguine and the reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss everything together. Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition info is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. For the most accurate details, consider using a nutrition tool or checking our full Nutrition Information Disclaimer.
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