Johnson's Spicy Shrimp Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A zesty shrimp pasta dish with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs (peeled and deveined) shrimp, (penne or fusilli) pasta, pint (halved) cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Toss 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 1 minute until tomatoes break down.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Add 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Johnson's Spicy Shrimp Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Johnson's Spicy Shrimp Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (peeled and deveined) shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Spicy Shrimp Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Johnson's Spicy Shrimp Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Johnson's Spicy Shrimp Pasta?

Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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