Blackened Shrimp Pasta
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
3563 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Others
Blackened Shrimp Pasta
Description
The recipe starts with a homemade blackening seasoning mix including smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Fresh shrimp are rinsed, dried, and coated evenly with this spice blend, which provides a smoky and spicy crust when cooked. Meanwhile, pasta is boiled until tender, with a portion of the starchy cooking water reserved for finishing the sauce.
In a skillet, butter and garlic are sautéed to release aromatic flavors before adding the seasoned shrimp, which cook quickly until opaque and slightly firm. The shrimp are removed, and diced tomatoes with some reserved pasta water are added back to the skillet, forming a light sauce that incorporates browned bits from cooking. The cooked pasta is then added to the sauce, and the shrimp are returned to the pan to combine all flavors. The dish is garnished with sliced green onions, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon to add brightness and contrast to the bold blackened seasoning.
The resulting pasta has a combination of tender shrimp with a mildly spicy blackened crust, a lightly tangy tomato base, and fresh herb and citrus notes. This makes the dish rich but balanced, with contrasting textures and layers of flavor for a satisfying seafood pasta experience.
For milder heat, reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper adjusts spice levels to personal preference.
Ingredients
BLACKENING SEASONING
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika $0.30
- 1 tsp thyme $0.10
- 1 tsp oregano $0.10
- 1/2 tsp cumin $0.05
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper $0.03
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.03
- 1/4 tsp onion powder $0.03
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
- black pepper $0.05, freshly cracked
SHRIMP PASTA
- 1/2 lb Shrimp $4.31, peeled and deveined
- 2 Tbsp butter $0.25
- 2 cloves garlic $0.16
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes $1.09, petite
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/2 lb pasta $0.50
- 2-3 green onion $0.17, sliced
- parsley $0.20, fresh; handful
- 1 lemon $0.69
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the herbs and spices for the blackening seasoning. Rinse the shrimp under cool water, drain, and then pat dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the blackening seasoning over the shrimp and stir to coat.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until tender (7-10 minutes). Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, mince the garlic and add it to a large skillet with the butter. Heat the butter and garlic over a medium flame until the butter starts to foam and sizzle. Continue to sauté the garlic in the sizzling butter for about one minute. Add the shrimp and sauté until they are opaque and slightly firm (3-5 minutes), then remove them from the skillet.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to the skillet. Stir and cook over medium heat, dissolving the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed (I added 1/4 tsp salt).
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce (add some of the remaining reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta). Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Slice the green onions and chop the parsley leaves. Sprinkle both over top. Serve with sliced lemon to squeeze over top.
Notes
- Reduce or omit cayenne pepper to make the dish less spicy.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 3563 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 356.3kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 49.93g | 17% |
| Protein | 20.35g | 41% |
| Fat | 7.9g | 12% |
| Sodium | 839.38mg | 35% |
| Fiber | 3.7g | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.