This Blackened Shrimp Pasta is a tasty dish that brings a bit of spice to your table! With juicy shrimp coated in bold blackening seasoning and tossed with creamy pasta, it’s sure to please everyone.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I love how quick it comes together—perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends. Plus, the colors are just so pretty, it’s like a party on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using spaghetti or linguine for this recipe, but feel free to try other types like fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta if you need. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose!
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best, but you can also use medium or even frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly if you’re using frozen. Also, if you’re not a shrimp fan, try using chicken breast or tofu for a different twist.
Blackening Spice: This mix of spices is key for flavor! If you need a milder kick, reduce the cayenne pepper. You can also use a pre-made blackening seasoning instead—just check the label for salt content.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor. If they aren’t in season, use canned diced tomatoes instead. Just drain them well before adding them to the pan.
What’s the Best Way to Blacken Shrimp?
Blackening shrimp gives it a beautiful, smoky flavor and a lovely char. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the shrimp are dry before seasoning. Pat them with a paper towel to ensure they absorb the spices well.
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot. A cast-iron skillet works wonders for blackening, but any heavy skillet will suffice.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—give the shrimp space to cook evenly. You may need to do this in batches.
- Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery!
By mastering this, you’ll have perfectly blackened shrimp every time! Happy cooking!
How to Make 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)
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Blackened Shrimp Pasta takes roughly 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the spaghetti or linguine in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of that pasta water. Set both aside for later!
2. Make the Blackening Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will be your blackening spice mix that adds delicious flavor to the shrimp!
3. Season the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to make sure they get crispy when cooked. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the blackening spice mix until they’re well coated. Get those flavors in there!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they get a nice blackened look and are cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but make sure it doesn’t burn—just enough to bring out the flavor!
6. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Yum!
7. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a saucy consistency.
8. Return the Shrimp:
Carefully add the blackened shrimp back into the skillet and toss gently to combine everything. Heat through for just a minute!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the pasta and shrimp into bowls. Garnish with extra chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Dig in and enjoy your flavorful Blackened Shrimp Pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, place shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackening spice mix. You can also omit it altogether if you want no heat at all.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the blackened shrimp and sauce in advance, and then toss them with freshly cooked pasta right before serving. This will keep everything fresh and delicious!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to help rejuvenate the sauce.
