Name: Pasta Romesco with Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp; 8 oz medium or long pasta (linguine, penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti); 3 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and seeded; 1/3 cup toasted almonds or hazelnuts; 2 cloves garlic; 1 small onion, roughly chopped; 1 medium tomato, chopped; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tbsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Olive oil (for sautéing shrimp); Fresh parsley or basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Experience bold flavors with Pasta Romesco with Shrimp—zesty romesco sauce and tender shrimp come together beautifully in this quick and flavorful dinner idea. This dish balances smoky, nutty, and spicy notes with perfectly cooked pasta and juicy shrimp, creating a harmonious meal that feels both comforting and vibrant. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight or impressing friends, Pasta Romesco with Shrimp offers a fresh, satisfying experience that’s easier than you might think.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The rich romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers and nuts adds depth and complexity to every bite.
Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute dinners.
Healthy Ingredients: Shrimp and fresh vegetables provide lean protein and nutrients with minimal calories.
Versatile Dish: Easily customizable with different pasta types or adding veggies to fit your preferences.
Impressive Presentation: Vibrant colors and textures make this dish a feast for your eyes and palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pasta Romesco with Shrimp lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing uniquely to the final dish’s taste, texture, or color. Fresh shrimp adds juicy protein while the romesco sauce brings the signature smoky and tangy notes to the pasta base.

Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for tender, juicy bites that cook quickly and complement the sauce.
Pasta: Choose medium or long pasta like linguine or penne to hold the romesco sauce beautifully.
Red Bell Peppers: Roasted peppers form the core of the romesco sauce’s smoky sweetness.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics deepen the flavor and provide a savory base for the sauce.
Almonds or Hazelnuts: Toasted nuts contribute creaminess and crunch to the sauce’s texture.
Tomato: Adds acidity and freshness that balance the boldness of the peppers and nuts.
Olive Oil: Brings richness and smoothness while helping to bind the sauce ingredients.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses a warm smoky aroma that’s signature to romesco sauce.
Sherry Vinegar or Red Wine Vinegar: Adds an acidic brightness to lift the flavors.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall balance and seasoning.
Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional): For garnish and an extra pop of color.

Variations

Feel free to customize Pasta Romesco with Shrimp to suit your dietary needs or what you have on hand. This dish is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to adjust ingredients, spice level, or add-ins with ease.

Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp for roasted vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to boost heat.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use rice or chickpea-based pasta for gluten-free or higher protein options.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely to accommodate allergies.
Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for more color and nutrients.

Pasta Romesco with Shrimp Quick Flavorful Dinner Idea

How to Make Pasta Romesco with Shrimp

Step 1: Roast the Red Peppers and Prepare the Sauce

Begin by roasting red bell peppers until the skin chars and blisters. Peel off the skins, then blend the peppers with toasted almonds or hazelnuts, garlic, onion, tomato, smoked paprika, and vinegar until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry, season lightly with salt and pepper, then sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Romesco Sauce

In the same pan, gently heat the romesco sauce and toss in the cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water gradually to create a silky sauce that coats every strand evenly.

Step 5: Add Shrimp and Serve

Fold the sautéed shrimp back into the pasta and sauce mixture. Give everything a gentle toss, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Pasta Romesco with Shrimp

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensures the best tenderness and flavor.
Roast Peppers Thoroughly: Don’t rush roasting the peppers; their smoky char is key to authentic romesco taste.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding starchy pasta water helps emulsify and smooth out the sauce perfectly.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast; remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque to keep them juicy.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: Use more or less pasta water to reach your preferred consistency for coating the pasta.

How to Serve Pasta Romesco with Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil slices adds brightness, while a few extra toasted nuts on top bring inviting texture and a lovely visual touch.

Side Dishes

Crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement the robust flavors and create a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Pasta Romesco with Shrimp in shallow bowls with the shrimp artfully arranged on top. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon over the dish to enhance flavors and add freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and pasta separate if possible to preserve the best textures.

Freezing

Freezing cooked pasta with romesco sauce is possible but not ideal, as the shrimp can become rubbery. Instead, freeze the sauce alone in portions for quick future meals.

Reheating

Gently reheat pasta and shrimp on low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, stirring often to maintain a creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well as long as it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is romesco sauce difficult to make from scratch?

Not at all! Roasting the peppers and blending the ingredients is straightforward and can be done quickly with a food processor or blender.

What pasta shapes work best with Pasta Romesco with Shrimp?

Medium shapes like penne, rigatoni, or long strands such as linguine or spaghetti allow the sauce to cling nicely for maximum flavor.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, swap shrimp for grilled or roasted vegetables and use nutritional yeast or vegan substitutes if desired to replicate richness.

How spicy is the romesco sauce?

Romesco typically has a mild smoky heat but you can easily adjust spice levels by adding chili flakes or hot paprika as preferred.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Romesco with Shrimp is a spectacular combination that brings warmth, color, and exciting flavors to your dinner table without a fuss. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a reliable go-to recipe, it’s quick, healthy, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant taste journey of this Spanish-inspired classic right in your own kitchen!

Pasta Romesco with Shrimp

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian, Gluten option available

Print Recipe

Description

Pasta Romesco with Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dinner featuring tender shrimp tossed in a smoky, nutty, and tangy romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers, nuts, garlic, and spices. Perfectly cooked pasta holds the vibrant sauce, creating a harmonious dish that is both comforting and vibrant. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy and versatile recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with its striking colors and bold flavors.

Instructions

Roast the Red Peppers and Prepare the Sauce: Begin by roasting the red bell peppers until their skins char and blister. Once cooled, peel off the skins and remove seeds. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peppers, toasted almonds or hazelnuts, garlic, onion, tomato, smoked paprika, and vinegar. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Sauté the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
Combine Pasta and Romesco Sauce: In the same pan, gently warm the romesco sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, well-coated sauce that clings to every strand.
Add Shrimp and Serve: Fold the sautéed shrimp into the pasta and sauce mixture. Toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Roast the peppers thoroughly to achieve the authentic smoky flavor of the romesco sauce.
Reserve pasta water to emulsify and smooth the sauce.
Avoid overcooking shrimp; remove them from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
Adjust sauce thickness by adding more or less pasta water to your preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting, Sautéing
Cuisine: Spanish-inspired