Puerto Rican Spicy Shrimp Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A zesty fusion of Caribbean flavors with succulent shrimp and garlicky tomato sauce, served over al dente pasta. This caribbean-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs spaghetti, shrimp, tomato sauce 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup diced bell pepper and 2 cups tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, then season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
  4. Step 4: Toss 12 oz cooked spaghetti into the sauce, then add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rican Spicy Shrimp Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Puerto Rican 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Puerto Rican 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 Puerto Rican 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 Puerto Rican Spicy Shrimp Pasta?

Caribbean pasta 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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