Easy & Spicy Shrimp Arrabbiata: Your Quick Weeknight Pasta Recipe

Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and comes together in a flash? Look no further than this sensational Shrimp Arrabbiata! This classic Italian-American favorite, known for its fiery tomato sauce, gets a delightful seafood twist with succulent shrimp. It’s a remarkably spicy, intensely garlicky, and wonderfully saucy pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Serve it alongside a crisp, fresh salad and some crusty cheesy garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that will impress everyone at the table.

If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of pasta and shrimp, then this recipe is destined to become a new favorite. The beauty of Arrabbiata lies in its adaptability. While it’s traditionally spicy, you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply reduce or even omit the red pepper flakes, and you’ll still enjoy a deeply flavorful tomato and garlic sauce that perfectly coats the tender shrimp and pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Shrimp Arrabbiata

This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy evenings. Here’s why this Shrimp Arrabbiata will quickly find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Lightning Fast: With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s faster than takeout!
• Explosive Flavor: The combination of ripe tomatoes, abundant garlic, fresh basil, and a kick of chili creates an unforgettable sauce that’s both robust and invigorating.
• Customizable Spice: Whether you love a gentle warmth or a fiery inferno, you have complete control over the heat.
• Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any exotic ingredients. Most items are pantry staples, making this an accessible dish for any home cook.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and nutrient-rich tomatoes, it’s a meal you can feel good about.

Looking for more amazing shrimp pasta ideas? Be sure to explore some of my other popular recipes like this zesty Old Bay Shrimp Linguine, the boldly seasoned Cajun Shrimp Scampi, and the comforting Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta. Each offers a unique flavor profile to satisfy any craving!

Ingredient Notes: Crafting the Perfect Sauce and Pasta

The success of any great dish begins with quality ingredients. For this Shrimp Arrabbiata, a few key components truly shine. See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and complete instructions.

• Shrimp – The star of our show! You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, just make sure they are completely thawed before cooking if using frozen. It’s crucial to use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Medium to large shrimp (around 21-25 count) work wonderfully as they cook quickly and remain tender.
• Pasta – While I absolutely adore tagliatelle pasta for its wide, flat ribbons that cling beautifully to the rich arrabbiata sauce, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Penne, spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine are excellent alternatives that hold up well to this hearty sauce. Remember to cook your pasta al dente for that perfect bite.
• Canned Peeled Tomatoes – These form the foundation of our vibrant sauce. Whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand, offer a rustic texture and fresher flavor compared to pre-crushed varieties. Look for high-quality San Marzano tomatoes if possible, as their sweetness and lower acidity make a significant difference.
• Garlic – Arrabbiata means “angry” in Italian, and a generous amount of garlic contributes to its bold personality. Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here; it provides an unparalleled aroma and depth of flavor that pre-minced garlic simply can’t match.
• Red Pepper Flakes – This is where the “spicy” in Arrabbiata comes from! The dish is designed to be quite spicy, but you have full control. If you prefer a milder heat, I highly recommend starting with just 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and tasting as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Olive Oil and Butter – A combination of good quality extra virgin olive oil and a touch of butter provides the perfect fat base for cooking the shrimp and building the sauce, adding richness and a silky texture.
• Fresh Basil – Essential for that authentic Italian aroma and flavor. Stirred in at the end, it brightens the entire dish.
• Salt and Pepper – Season generously throughout the cooking process.
• Granulated Sugar (Optional) – If your tomatoes taste a bit too tart, a pinch of granulated sugar can work wonders to balance the acidity and enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions for Shrimp Arrabbiata

Creating this flavorful Shrimp Arrabbiata is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect dish every time:

• Prepare the Tomatoes: Pour the canned whole peeled tomatoes and their juices into a bowl. Get your hands in there and mash them thoroughly! This rustic method creates a wonderful texture for the sauce. If you prefer, a potato masher or even a fork will work too, but hands are best for breaking them down perfectly.
• Cook the Shrimp: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. They cook very quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough. Once cooked, add a pat of butter, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and remove the shrimp from the skillet immediately. Set aside.
• Build the Arrabbiata Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean it – those delicious pan drippings add flavor!), add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for a mere 15 seconds, stirring constantly. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but not brown, to prevent bitterness. Immediately stir in your mashed tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After 10 minutes, season the sauce with salt to taste and, if your tomatoes are a bit acidic, a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
• Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (tagliatelle, penne, spaghetti, etc.) and cook according to package directions until al dente – firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
• Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the arrabbiata sauce. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together vigorously, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning one last time if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for an Even Better Shrimp Arrabbiata

Elevate your Shrimp Arrabbiata from delicious to absolutely unforgettable with these expert tips:

• Always Use Fresh Garlic! This cannot be stressed enough. Garlic is a cornerstone of Italian cooking, and fresh garlic offers a pungent, sweet, and aromatic flavor that pre-minced, jarred garlic simply can’t replicate. The difference is truly night and day.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, often in just 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque. They will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot pasta and sauce.
• Balance the Acidity: If your tomato sauce tastes a little too tart, a small pinch of granulated sugar (as suggested in the ingredient notes) is your secret weapon. It helps to mellow out the acidity and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a more harmonious flavor profile. You can also try adding a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar for a different kind of balance.
• Embrace the Pasta Water: Don’t toss all that starchy pasta water! A ladle or two of this liquid gold can transform your sauce. It helps to emulsify the sauce, making it silkier, richer, and helping it adhere better to the pasta. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Consider Additional Seafood: While shrimp is fantastic, arrabbiata also pairs wonderfully with other seafood. Feel free to add mussels, calamari rings, or scallops to the skillet along with (or in place of) the shrimp. Cook them quickly just until tender.
• Garnish for Freshness: A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley or extra basil leaves brightens the dish and adds a pop of color and herbaceous aroma right before serving. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese is also a welcome addition, though not strictly traditional for arrabbiata, many enjoy it!

Storage and Reheating

Have leftovers? Lucky you! This Shrimp Arrabbiata tastes almost as good the next day. To store, place any leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating. To reheat, you can simply warm it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Variations & Customizations

This Shrimp Arrabbiata recipe is incredibly versatile and easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand:

• Make it Meatier: While Arrabbiata is typically vegetarian or with seafood, you can add cooked Italian sausage, pancetta, or even shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
• Add More Veggies: Sauté some diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach along with the garlic for extra nutrients and texture.
• Creamy Arrabbiata: For a less traditional but equally delicious twist, stir in a touch of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking the sauce to create a rich, creamy arrabbiata.
• Herbs Beyond Basil: While basil is classic, fresh oregano or a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs can also complement the flavors beautifully.
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest added at the end can brighten the whole dish and add a wonderful aromatic lift.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making Shrimp Arrabbiata:

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

While you *can* use pre-cooked shrimp, it’s not recommended for the best flavor and texture. Pre-cooked shrimp tend to become rubbery very quickly when reheated or cooked further. If you must use them, add them to the sauce only in the last minute of cooking, just to warm through.

What’s the best type of pasta for Arrabbiata?

Penne is the most traditional choice for Arrabbiata sauce as its ridges and hollow centers are perfect for catching the spicy sauce. However, long pasta shapes like tagliatelle, spaghetti, or linguine are also excellent, especially with shrimp, as they allow the sauce to cling beautifully to each strand.

How can I make this less spicy?

To reduce the heat, simply decrease the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with 1/2 teaspoon or even 1/4 teaspoon, and taste the sauce before adding more. You can also remove the seeds from the red pepper flakes, as most of the heat resides there, or omit them entirely for a mild, garlicky tomato sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you absolutely can! For fresh tomatoes, blanch, peel, and seed about 1.5-2 pounds of ripe Roma or plum tomatoes, then roughly chop them. The cooking time for the sauce might be slightly longer to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down and their flavors to intensify.

Is Shrimp Arrabbiata healthy?

Yes, it can be a very healthy meal! Shrimp is a lean protein source, and tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. To make it even healthier, use whole wheat pasta, increase the amount of vegetables, and be mindful of the amount of oil and butter used.

Tried this incredibly delicious Shrimp Arrabbiata recipe? I would love to hear your thoughts! Please consider leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card above and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these recipes. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook or Pinterest for more culinary inspiration!