This Blackened Shrimp Pasta is a tasty mix of juicy shrimp, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick dinner that feels fancy without the fuss!
The blackened shrimp adds a fun kick, making you feel like a chef! I love it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Yum! It’s also super easy to whip up on a busy night.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine are great choices for this dish. If you want a gluten-free option, try zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to keep it light and fresh.
Shrimp: Large shrimp work well here, but you can also use medium shrimp or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you’re vegetarian, try using tofu or mushrooms instead!
Spices: The blackening spice is what gives this dish its punch! If you want it milder, reduce the cayenne pepper or skip it altogether. You can also swap paprika with smoked paprika for a different flavor.
Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich taste, but you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option. Non-dairy milk can work too, though the texture might change slightly.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Perfectly Blackened?
Blackening shrimp creates that delicious crust with bold flavors. Follow these steps for success:
- Make sure your shrimp are patted dry before seasoning; this helps the spice mix stick and prevents steaming.
- Use a hot skillet for cooking. A cast-iron skillet is perfect because it retains heat and gives great color.
- Don’t crowd the shrimp in the skillet – cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they blacken instead of steam.
- Cook until just opaque; overcooking makes shrimp rubbery. Aim for about 3-5 minutes total cooking time.
These tips will ensure you get perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp every time!
Blackened Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 12 oz linguine or fettuccine
- Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (plus more for the sauce)
- Blackening Spice:
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Other Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Blackened Shrimp Pasta takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal that packs a lot of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your linguine or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. When done, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Prepare the Blackening Spice:
In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your shrimp that delicious blackened flavor!
3. Season the Shrimp:
Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps them get that nice sear. Toss the shrimp in olive oil, then coat them evenly with the blackening spice mix.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes on one side until they get a nice blackened color. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked through and opaque. Once cooked, take them out and set aside!
5. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a bit of olive oil if necessary. Now add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, breaking them up slightly.
6. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and deglaze the pan by scraping up any delicious brown bits. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce a bit.
7. Add Cream and Lemon:
Turn the heat down to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Let this simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss your cooked pasta into the sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help coat the pasta evenly.
9. Finish the Dish:
Add in the chopped parsley and gently fold in the blackened shrimp until everything is well combined.
10. Serve:
Plate your pasta and shrimp, garnishing with extra parsley and a lemon wedge for squeezing on top. Enjoy your flavorful, spicy blackened shrimp pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure they are thawed completely before seasoning. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quick thawing.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackening spice mix. Additionally, adding red pepper flakes when tossing the pasta with the sauce will give it an extra kick!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and shrimp in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers and reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to eat.
