The 10 Best Pasta for Shrimp

Are you looking for a delicious meal that can be made in minutes?

Shrimp pasta is the perfect solution.

It’s easy to make and it’s packed with flavor.

But what kind of pasta should you use?

The best pasta for shrimp is spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, or any other long noodle. Shrimp pairs especially well with creamy sauces like Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, and garlic butter sauce. You can also serve it with a spicy tomato-based pasta dish.

But the answer depends on your taste preferences, and some pastas are better suited for shrimp than others.

To help you out, I have compiled a list of 10 of the best pastas for shrimp dishes.

From classic spaghetti to unique shapes like farfalle, this guide will give you all the information you need to choose the perfect pasta for your next meal.

Why Pair Pasta with Shrimp?

Shrimp and pasta make a classic combination for a reason.

The sweetness of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pasta, creating an irresistible balance that is sure to please any palate.

Shrimp also adds texture and flavor to the dish, as its firmness contrasts nicely with the softness of cooked pasta.

When pairing shrimp with pasta, it’s important to consider how you will be cooking both ingredients.

• For example, if you are making a creamy sauce for your pasta dish, then you may want to opt for larger shrimp so they don’t get lost in the sauce.
• On the other hand, if you are making a light tomato-based sauce or simply tossing your cooked noodles in olive oil and garlic, then smaller shrimp would work better since they can easily absorb all those delicious flavors without overpowering them.

In addition to considering size when selecting your shrimp for this dish, it’s also important to think about how long each ingredient needs to cook in order to achieve optimal results.

Since most pastas only need around 8 minutes or less of boiling time before being drained and served (depending on type), it’s best to add your pre-cooked shrimp at this point so that they don’t become overcooked and rubbery during their brief stay in hot water.

This way you’ll end up with perfectly cooked al dente noodles paired with succulent juicy shrimps – what could be better?

The 10 Best Pasta for Shrimp

Shrimp is a wonderful ingredient to add to your pasta dishes.

The key is finding the right type of pasta that will best compliment the flavors of the shrimp.

Here are ten types of pastas that can be used in shrimp dishes, each offering a unique taste and texture:

1. Penne Pasta

Penne pasta is a type of tube-shaped pasta that is traditionally made from durum wheat.

It has ridges on the outside and a hollow center, which makes it perfect for holding sauces.

Penne can be served with any type of sauce, from creamy Alfredo to simple tomato sauce.

Penne pasta pairs well with shrimp because the ridges help hold onto the flavor of the sauce and the shrimp’s delicate texture complements the firmness of the penne.

The combination creates an incredibly flavorful dish that will satisfy even picky eaters!

Pro Tip: To make your penne and shrimp dish extra delicious, add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to your sauce before serving.

This will give it an extra layer of flavor that you won’t want to miss!

2. Fettuccine

Fettuccine is a type of pasta that is made from flat, thick noodles.

It is similar to spaghetti but wider and flatter. Fettuccine originated in Italy and can be served with many different sauces, such as Alfredo or pesto.

Fettuccine pairs well with seafood dishes like shrimp because the wide noodles can hold onto the sauce better than thinner pastas like spaghetti or angel hair.

The texture of fettuccine also helps to bring out the flavor of the shrimp and other ingredients in the dish.

Recipe Ideas:

• Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo: This classic Italian dish combines creamy alfredo sauce with sautéed shrimp and fettuccine for a delicious meal that’s sure to please!
• Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine: For a spicy twist on this classic dish, try adding some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to your alfredo sauce before tossing it with cooked fettucini and sautéed shrimp.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Fettucini: For a simple yet flavorful dish, sauté shrimp in garlic butter and then toss with cooked fettuccine and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Fettuccine with Clams: For a seafood-packed dish, try adding some steamed clams to your fettuccine and Alfredo sauce.
• Fettuccine with Mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, sauté mushrooms in butter and garlic and then toss with cooked fettuccine and your favorite sauce.

3. Farfalle

Farfalle is a type of pasta shaped like bow ties or butterflies.

It is also known as ‘bow-tie’ or ‘butterfly’ pasta.

Farfalle is made from durum wheat flour, water, and sometimes eggs.

The dough is rolled into thin sheets and cut into small pieces that are then pinched in the middle to form the distinctive shape.

Farfalle pairs well with shrimp because its shape holds onto sauces and other ingredients better than other types of pasta.

Try it with a creamy garlic sauce, pesto, or even just some olive oil and fresh herbs for an easy weeknight dinner!

Here are some ideas for how to enjoy farfalle with shrimp:

• Farfalle with Shrimp & Asparagus in Creamy Garlic Sauce
• Farfalle with Shrimp & Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Pesto Sauce
• Farfalle Primavera with Shrimp & Vegetables
• Spicy Farfalle & Shrimp Salad

4. Orecchiette

Orecchiette is a type of pasta originating from the region of Puglia in Italy.

It is shaped like small ears, and its name comes from the Italian word for ‘ear’.

Orecchiette are usually served with vegetables or meat sauces, but they can also be used in soups or salads.

Orecchiette has a unique texture that pairs perfectly with shrimp.

The shape of orecchiette helps to hold onto the sauce and creates a delicious combination when cooked together.

Try it with garlic, olive oil, white wine, tomatoes, parsley and Parmesan cheese for an easy yet flavorful dish!

Here are some ideas for cooking shrimp with orecchiette:

• Shrimp & Asparagus Orecchiette
• Spicy Shrimp & Tomato Orecchiette
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Orecchiette
• Lemon & Herb Shrimp Orecchiette

5. Rigatoni

Rigatoni is a type of pasta that is shaped like large tubes with ridges on the outside.

It’s usually slightly curved and has a hollow center, making it perfect for holding sauces.

Rigatoni can be used in many different dishes, from baked casseroles to simple pasta salads.

Rigatoni pairs especially well with shrimp because the ridges help hold onto the sauce and keep the shrimp from slipping off.

The texture of rigatoni also adds an interesting contrast to the tenderness of cooked shrimp.

Creative Recipe Ideas:

• Shrimp & Asparagus Rigatoni: Sautéed asparagus and garlic are combined with cooked shrimp and tossed in a creamy white wine sauce before being served over rigatoni noodles.
• Shrimp & Spinach Rigatoni: Cooked spinach is mixed with sautéed garlic, tomatoes, and shrimp before being tossed in a light cream sauce and served over rigatoni noodles.
• Shrimp & Mushroom Rigatoni: Sautéed mushrooms are combined with cooked shrimp and tossed in a creamy garlic sauce before being served over rigatoni noodles.
• Shrimp & Artichoke Rigatoni: Cooked artichoke hearts are combined with cooked shrimp and tossed in a light lemon butter sauce before being served over rigatoni noodles.

6. Linguine

Linguine is a type of pasta that is similar to fettuccine, but thinner and flatter.

It originated in Italy and is traditionally served with seafood dishes.

Shrimp and linguine make an excellent combination for a light yet flavorful meal.

The delicate texture of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the slightly chewy linguine noodles.

To really bring out the flavor, try adding garlic, butter, white wine or lemon juice to your dish.

Here are some creative recipe ideas for shrimp and linguine:

• Shrimp Scampi Linguine: Sauteed shrimp tossed in garlic butter sauce over linguine noodles
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Linguine: A creamy sauce made from cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and garlic poured over cooked shrimp and linguine
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Linguine: Spicy Cajun seasoning mixed with olive oil then tossed with cooked shrimp and linguine
• Shrimp and Asparagus Linguine: Sautéed shrimp and asparagus tossed with linguine noodles and a light white wine sauce
• Shrimp and Pesto Linguine: Fresh pesto sauce mixed with cooked shrimp and linguine noodles

7. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a type of pasta made from durum wheat and water.

It is usually served with tomato sauce, but can also be served with other sauces such as pesto or Alfredo.

Spaghetti is a popular dish all over the world, and it’s easy to make at home.

Shrimp and spaghetti are an excellent combination!

The sweetness of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the spaghetti.

Plus, this dish is quick and easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights!

Here are some recipe ideas:

• Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti: Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions, then sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, lemon juice and parsley until cooked through. Add cooked spaghetti to pan and toss together until combined. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti: Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions, then sauté shrimp in butter, garlic and white wine until cooked through. Add cream cheese to pan along with cooked spaghetti and stir together until creamy. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
• Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti: Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions, then sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, red pepper flakes and white wine until cooked through. Add cooked spaghetti to pan and toss together until combined. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top.

8. Orzo

Orzo is a type of pasta shaped like grains of rice.

It’s made from durum wheat semolina, and it has a slightly chewy texture that makes it perfect for salads, soups, and casseroles.

Orzo can also be used as a substitute for rice in dishes such as risotto or paella.

Orzo is an excellent accompaniment to shrimp because its mild flavor allows the sweetness of the shrimp to shine through.

The small size of the pasta also helps to create a light yet satisfying dish that won’t weigh you down after eating it.

Try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor!

9. Cavatappi

Cavatappi is a type of pasta that is shaped like a corkscrew.

It has ridges on the outside and a hollow center, making it perfect for holding sauces and other ingredients.

Cavatappi is often used in Italian dishes such as macaroni and cheese, baked ziti, or shrimp scampi.

Cavatappi’s shape makes it ideal for pairing with seafood dishes like shrimp scampi.

The ridges help to hold onto the sauce while the hollow center allows for maximum flavor absorption.

Plus, its unique shape adds an interesting visual element to any dish!

Pro Tip: To get the most out of your cavatappi-seafood combo, make sure to cook your pasta al dente so that it still has some bite when you serve it up!

10. Rotini

Rotini is a type of pasta that is shaped like a corkscrew or spiral.

It has ridges on the outside and a hollow center, making it perfect for holding sauces and other ingredients.

Rotini is often used in salads, soups, casseroles, and baked dishes.

Rotini’s shape makes it ideal for pairing with shrimp because the sauce can cling to the ridges of the pasta.

The texture of rotini also complements shrimp nicely as its firmness stands up well against the delicate flavor of seafood.

Pro Tip: To make your dish even more flavorful, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil to your rotini-shrimp combo!

This will add an extra layer of flavor that will really bring out the best in both ingredients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shrimp is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of pastas.

The best pastas for shrimp are penne, fettuccine, farfalle, orecchiette, rigatoni, linguine, spaghetti, orzo, cavatappi, and rotini.

Each of these pastas has its own unique texture and flavor that can enhance the taste of your shrimp dish.

Whether you’re looking for a light and delicate pasta or a hearty and robust one, there’s a pasta for every occasion.

So, the next time you’re looking to make a delicious shrimp dish, try one of these pastas and enjoy the delicious results.