What Can I Cook With Shrimp and Pasta?

Shrimp and pasta is the fastest impressive dinner there is — 15 minutes, because shrimp cook in three. Scampi, garlic butter, a spicy tomato version, or a cold pasta salad all start the same way.

Shrimp overcook in seconds, so the sequence matters more than the recipe: cook the shrimp first, remove them, build the sauce in the same pan, and return them at the very end for 30 seconds.

Dishes you can make

• Shrimp scampi — Garlic, white wine, butter, lemon, parsley. Emulsify with pasta water off the heat.
• Spicy tomato shrimp pasta — Chilli and garlic bloomed in oil, tomatoes reduced, shrimp last.
• Garlic butter shrimp linguine — Cold butter whisked in off the heat keeps the sauce glossy.
• Cold shrimp pasta salad — Chill the shrimp separately so they don't overcook in residual heat.
• Creamy cajun shrimp pasta — Season the shrimp heavily; the cream mutes spice considerably.

Tips that actually matter

• A C-shaped shrimp is cooked. An O-shaped one is overcooked.
• Save the shells — five minutes in the pan with oil makes a shrimp-flavoured base for the sauce.
• Pat shrimp dry and salt them 10 minutes ahead for a firmer bite.

Frequently asked questions

How long do shrimp take to cook?

Two to three minutes total in a hot pan, flipping once. Any longer and they turn rubbery.

Frozen shrimp — do I thaw first?

Yes. Thaw in cold water for 10 minutes and dry thoroughly, otherwise they release water and boil.

What pasta shape suits shrimp?

Long strands — linguine or spaghetti — because the sauces are usually thin and oil-based.

Related guides

• pasta and tomatoes
• salmon and vegetables
• chicken and pasta

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