Delicious Cold Pasta Recipes with Shrimp

When it comes to pasta dishes, shrimp adds a delightful seafood flavor that can elevate any recipe. This article explores various cold pasta dishes featuring shrimp, perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing meal option. Here, you'll find a collection of recipes that not only highlight the succulent taste of shrimp but also offer a variety of ingredients that complement it beautifully. From creamy sauces to zesty lemon flavors, there’s something for everyone!

1. Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta is a hearty dish that brings a taste of the South right to your table. The combination of shrimp and chicken, seasoned with Cajun spices, creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

• 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season shrimp and chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, then add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Stir in heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

This dish not only tastes amazing but is also visually appealing, making it perfect for gatherings or special occasions. The creamy sauce envelops each piece of pasta, shrimp, and chicken, creating a comforting and indulgent meal.

2. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is a romantic dish that’s sure to impress with its rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The combination of flavors makes it a great choice for a date night or a special dinner.

• 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled/deveined
• ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
• ¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
• 2 ½ tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ⅓ teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoon gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 2 cups diced spinach
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon minced onion
• 2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

1. Boil the pasta according to the package directions for al dente while you cook the shrimp.
2. Toss the shrimp with the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until they are evenly coated.
3. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for two minutes on both sides until they are pink, opaque, and C-shaped.
4. Set the cooked shrimp aside to cool.
5. Melt the butter in the same pan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about two minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the flour to the aromatics and stir well. Then, add the broth, heavy cream, and spinach. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and the spinach starts to wilt - about 5 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
7. Carefully mix the pasta into the sauce. Then, add the shrimp and gently stir again. Garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy.

This pasta is creamy, flavorful, and the perfect comfort food. The sun-dried tomatoes add a unique taste that pairs beautifully with shrimp.

3. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

For a quick and easy meal, Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a go-to recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This dish is not only simple but also incredibly delicious. The garlic butter sauce coats the pasta beautifully, making it a delightful dish to savor.

4. Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick meal that’s light and refreshing, this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta is perfect. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a busy day.

• Shrimp
• Cherry tomatoes
• Lemon
• Garlic
• Basil
• Butter
• Pasta

1. Peel and devein the shrimp. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
2. In a pan, melt butter with olive oil and sear the shrimp until cooked. Set aside.
3. Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Once fragrant, add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water.
4. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, and a spoon of olive oil. Toss until the sauce emulsifies.
5. Finish with grated parmesan, sea salt, and black pepper before serving.

This dish is garlicky, lemony, and packed with juicy shrimp. It’s the ultimate summer pasta that’s easy, fast, and full of flavor!

5. Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a must-try. This recipe features a creamy and spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with shrimp and pasta.

• 8 ounces linguine
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chili paste
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
• Red chili flakes, for garnish

1. Cook pasta al dente according to box instructions.
2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chili paste, and garlic. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, add shrimp, salt, cayenne, and garlic powder. Stir to coat shrimp.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add pasta and sauce to the pan.
5. Turn off the heat and mix together until pasta is coated. Add lime, green onions, and cilantro, and garnish with red chili flakes.

This dish is bursting with flavor and has a delightful kick to it. It’s perfect for those who love a spicy twist on their pasta dishes.

Conclusion

These cold pasta recipes featuring shrimp are not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, or light and refreshing, there’s a shrimp pasta recipe here to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, these dishes are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy exploring these delightful recipes and find your new favorite shrimp pasta dish!