Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta – Creamy, Smoky & Packed with Flavor
If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s creamy, smoky, and has just the right amount of heat, this spicy chipotle shrimp pasta is a must-try. It combines juicy shrimp, al dente pasta, and a luscious chipotle cream sauce that balances spice with savory richness. Perfect for weeknight dinners yet fancy enough for entertaining, this dish brings a bold Mexican-inspired twist to classic shrimp pasta.
The secret lies in the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – they add a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of shrimp. A little cream mellows out the spice, making every bite indulgent without being overpowering.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the shrimp – Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp – In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.
- Add cream & broth – Pour in heavy cream and broth. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Finish the sauce – Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Combine – Add cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Serve – Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a healthier sauce.
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini make great additions.
- Extra smoky flavor: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Cheese swap: Try cotija or queso fresco for a more authentic Mexican twist.
- Pasta swap: Works beautifully with penne, rigatoni, or linguine.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil Option: Use cooking spray instead of olive oil for shrimp.
- Gluten-Free: Swap pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace pasta with shirataki noodles or spiralized zucchini.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.
- Low-Sodium: Use homemade broth and reduce added salt.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy chipotle shrimp pasta is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you want something comforting with a kick. Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal. Don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the smoky spice.
Once you try this dish, it’s sure to become a regular in your pasta rotation – bold, creamy, and irresistibly delicious.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make this pasta less spicy?
Yes! Use just 1 chipotle pepper instead of 2 and skip the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
You can make the sauce in advance, but cook the shrimp fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Q4: What pasta works best?
Fettuccine or spaghetti are great, but short pastas like penne hold the sauce beautifully.
Q5: Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?
Yes! Chicken breast or thighs work well if you prefer poultry over seafood.
