This dish combines the rich, creamy texture of the pasta with the heat from spicy shrimp, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The delicate shrimp, seasoned with garlic and red pepper flakes, is a standout on top of the tender rigatoni.
The addition of Parmesan cheese brings a savory richness to the sauce, while the fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness. This dish is an excellent choice for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, offering bold flavors in a simple and satisfying package. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just love a creamy pasta, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 ounces rigatoni pasta
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
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Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Add the cooked rigatoni and shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
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Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Choose Shrimp for This Dish?
Shrimp is a versatile seafood that pairs wonderfully with a variety of flavors, making it an excellent choice for pasta dishes. In this recipe, shrimp takes center stage, offering both protein and flavor. The delicate, slightly sweet taste of shrimp works beautifully with the bold spices, creating a dynamic combination of textures and tastes.
Shrimp cooks quickly and is easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time. Its tender texture complements the hearty rigatoni pasta, ensuring each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors. The garlic and red pepper flakes intensify the shrimp’s natural flavors, adding a delightful spicy kick that will keep you coming back for more.
The Creamy Sauce: A Perfect Balance
The creamy sauce is the key to this dish’s luxurious taste. It combines the richness of heavy cream with the acidity of white wine to create a perfect balance. This sauce coats the pasta and shrimp beautifully, offering a silky texture without being too heavy. The sauce has just the right consistency to cling to the pasta, making every bite rich and flavorful.
To elevate the dish even further, Parmesan cheese is added to the sauce. This adds an extra layer of richness and a savory, salty note that enhances the overall flavor. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, the amount of red pepper flakes can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a mild dish or one with a fiery kick, the heat level is customizable to fit your preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Rigatoni with Spicy Shrimp is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party or special occasion yet simple enough to be made for a casual weeknight meal. The combination of pasta, shrimp, and a creamy sauce makes it a well-rounded dish that appeals to a variety of tastes. A garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the dish.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting, this is the perfect choice. It offers something for everyone—creamy pasta, tender shrimp, a spicy kick, and the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, Rigatoni with Spicy Shrimp is sure to impress and satisfy.
The Spicy Element: Making It Your Own
The spice level in this dish can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. While the recipe calls for red pepper flakes, which provide a mild heat, you can always increase the amount for more spice. If you enjoy dishes with a bit more fire, consider adding hot sauce or finely chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
What makes this dish so great is its flexibility. You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to create a version that’s just right for you. Whether you prefer a bold, spicy kick or a more subtle heat, this creamy shrimp pasta can be adapted to meet your exact flavor preferences. The goal is to bring out the natural flavors of the shrimp without overwhelming the dish with too much heat.
A Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
While Rigatoni with Spicy Shrimp may seem like a dish reserved for special occasions, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to make. The pasta cooks in just a few minutes, and the shrimp is ready in about 5 minutes. The sauce comes together in no time with just a few simple ingredients, and before you know it, you’ll have a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy.
This makes it the perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The recipe is straightforward, requiring only a few simple steps. Once the shrimp and pasta are cooked, they are combined with the creamy sauce, resulting in a dish that is both easy to prepare and elegant enough to serve at any dinner table.
Customizing the Dish
Another great feature of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your personal preferences. For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter cream or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. You can also switch up the pasta type—try penne or fusilli if you prefer a different shape.
If you want to add more vegetables, consider stirring in spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers into the sauce. These additions not only boost the flavor but also increase the nutritional content of the meal. A handful of greens like spinach can also add color and freshness, creating a more balanced meal with added health benefits.
Conclusion
Rigatoni with Spicy Shrimp is a delightful dish that perfectly combines creamy pasta and spicy shrimp. The rich, velvety sauce, well-seasoned shrimp, and hearty rigatoni pasta make this a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. With its easy preparation and customizable spice levels, it’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
The combination of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors makes this dish stand out, and its versatility ensures that it can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting, bold flavors in every bite.