This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LeaveBlandBehind #CollectiveBias

Blackened Shrimp Pasta: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner Solution

Welcome to the world of effortless and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinners! This Blackened Shrimp Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary revelation that promises to banish blandness from your kitchen in under 30 minutes. We all know the struggle: the day winds down, the kids are fed (or about to be), and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. As a busy individual, I often find myself craving delicious food without the lengthy prep, and that’s precisely where this recipe shines. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary supper into an extraordinary feast that everyone will rave about.

For many of us, the end of a long day, perhaps after homeschooling or a demanding work schedule, leaves us utterly drained. The thought of concocting a wholesome and tasty meal can feel overwhelming. The allure of takeout or a quick microwave meal often whispers tempting promises. But what if you could whip up a restaurant-quality dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with incredible flavor? This Blackened Shrimp Pasta is your answer. Inspired by the culinary wisdom of my dear friend Imma, this dish features succulent blackened shrimp tossed with pasta in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s the perfect antidote to dinner dilemmas, ensuring you can enjoy a comforting, homemade meal without sacrificing precious time or energy.

Why This Blackened Shrimp Pasta is a Game Changer

This recipe isn’t just fast; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create profound flavors. The secret lies in the art of blackening the shrimp and a vibrant, robust tomato sauce. Blackening is a cooking technique where food is coated in spices and then seared in a hot pan, creating a dark, crusty, and incredibly flavorful exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. When applied to shrimp, this method yields a spectacular texture and a burst of spice that perfectly complements the rich tomato base of the pasta.

Beyond its speed and flavor, this dish offers immense versatility. Whether you’re cooking for one, a family, or entertaining guests, it’s easily scalable and always impressive. It’s a seafood lover’s dream, a pasta enthusiast’s delight, and a busy cook’s best friend. If you enjoy quick pasta dishes, be sure to also check out my Spaghetti Bolognese Chicken and Steak and Pasta for more inspiration!

Unlocking Flavor: The Star Ingredient

The magic of this recipe is amplified by the brilliant simplicity of McCormick All-Purpose Seasoning Blends. For this Blackened Shrimp Pasta, I relied on the McCormick Basil, Oregano, Garlic & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning. Traditionally, achieving that authentic blackened flavor requires a medley of individual spices, meticulously measured and combined. However, these new McCormick blends are truly a “secret weapon” that streamlines the seasoning process, taking all the guesswork out of flavor creation. They are expertly crafted with transparent ingredients, ensuring you get a premium blend every time.

These seasoning blends aren’t just for shrimp; their versatility knows no bounds. I’ve personally used this same seasoning to create a delicious sauce for homemade pizza, and the results were absolutely spot on! It would also be an excellent addition to your Roasted Tomato Pizza Sauce. Having such a flavorful and reliable blend on hand makes culinary experimentation both easy and rewarding. It’s a fantastic addition to any kitchen shelf, promising consistent, rich flavor in a convenient package.

Essential Ingredients for Success

One of the beauties of this Blackened Shrimp Pasta recipe is its reliance on readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

**Shrimp:** About 20-30 shrimp, peeled and deveined. A 12 oz pack is usually perfect. Fresh or frozen (thawed) will work splendidly.
**Pasta:** 8 oz of your preferred pasta. While spaghetti provides a classic texture that easily soaks up the sauce, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, penne, or any other pasta shape you enjoy.
**McCormick Basil, Oregano, Garlic & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning:** This is the hero that brings the “blackened” flavor and aroma to our shrimp and sauce. You’ll need about 1 1/2 teaspoons in total.
**Seasonings:** 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors.
**Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Butter is key for searing the shrimp and starting our rich tomato sauce.
**Crushed Tomatoes:** 1 1/2 cups of crushed tomatoes (approximately a 14 oz can). These form the flavorful base of our sauce.
**Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped. It adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce.
**Fresh Parsley:** 3 sprigs, freshly chopped for garnish and a touch of fresh herby brightness at the end.

Crafting Your Culinary Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing this Blackened Shrimp Pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal in no time:

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your chosen pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to salt the water generously for maximum flavor. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water if you wish to adjust sauce consistency later.
Season the Shrimp: Place your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the McCormick Basil, Oregano, Garlic & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning over the shrimp. Toss gently to ensure each shrimp is thoroughly coated with the delicious blend. This is where the “blackened” magic begins!
Sear the Shrimp: In a large pot or skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp curl into a C-shape and turn opaque pink. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Onions: Using the same pot with the flavorful butter, add the chopped onions. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, translucent, and fragrant. They will pick up all the delicious flavors left behind by the shrimp.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add 1 cup of water, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of McCormick seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce and thicken.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained, cooked pasta directly into the tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated with the rich sauce.
Add Shrimp and Garnish: Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the pot and gently fold them into the pasta and sauce. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Mix well to combine, ensuring the delicate shrimp are warmed through. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredibly flavorful dinner!

Shrimp pasta on a plate near a container of all-purpose seasoning.

Pro Tips for an Even Better Dish

**Pasta Choice:** While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like linguine, angel hair, or even a short pasta like penne or rotini for a different texture.
**Amp Up the Flavor with Shrimp Stock:** For an extra layer of deep, seafood flavor, don’t discard your shrimp shells after peeling! Instead, place them in a small pot, add water just to cover, and boil for about 5 minutes. Strain the liquid, and use this homemade shrimp stock instead of plain water in the tomato sauce. This simple trick elevates the dish significantly.
**Pepper Preference:** I personally love the robust, subtle heat of white pepper. If you have it on hand, consider using white pepper instead of black pepper for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile.
**Add Vegetables:** Feel free to toss in some quick-cooking vegetables like fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end), diced bell peppers (sautéed with the onions), or halved cherry tomatoes (added with the crushed tomatoes).
**Cheesy Finish:** A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese before serving adds a wonderful salty, umami kick.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Blackened Shrimp Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, while a side of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider roasted asparagus or broccoli. As for drinks, a chilled crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the seafood and tomato flavors wonderfully, or opt for sparkling water with a lemon wedge for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

You can also customize this recipe to your taste. If you like a little extra heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce will do the trick. For more fresh herbs, a handful of chopped fresh basil stirred in with the parsley would be delightful.

The NEW McCormick All-Purpose Seasoning Blends are readily available in the spice aisle at your local Walmart. Look for them to simplify your cooking and infuse your meals with incredible flavor.

Spice aisle at Walmart. — Spice aisle in Walmart

Click here to learn more about the McCormick Basil, Oregano, Garlic & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning, which was specifically used in this recipe. Additionally, explore the other 5 new McCormick All-Purpose Seasoning Blends to enhance your culinary repertoire:

McCormick Crushed Red Pepper, Oregano & Garlic All Purpose Seasoning
McCormick Garlic, Herb, Black Pepper & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning
McCormick Garlic, Onion, Black Pepper & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning
McCormick Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper & Garlic All Purpose Seasoning
McCormick Basil, Oregano, Garlic & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning

I genuinely hope you enjoy this simple, yet incredibly satisfying, dinner recipe. It’s truly a testament to how quick and easy cooking can still yield extraordinary flavor. Thanks to McCormick, enjoying a pasta meal with great taste has never been faster or more convenient.

P.S. If you’re looking for more quick and delicious pasta ideas, here is another fantastic one-pot pasta dinner you might love: One Pot Creamy Macaroni and Chicken (it’s so good, it might just make you forget about regular mac n cheese!).

Blackened Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Blackened shrimp pasta – a flavorful pasta dinner made in 30 minutes. So easy, so delicious.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

20-30 shrimps – peeled and deveined (I used a 12 oz pack)
8 oz pasta of choice – I used spaghetti
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Basil, Oregano, Garlic & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes (about 14 oz)
1/2 medium onion, chopped
3 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Put 1 teaspoon of McCormick Basil, Oregano, Garlic & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning over shrimp and mix well to coat.
Place butter in a pot over medium heat. Once it melts, add in the shrimp and let them cook on each side for about 2 minutes. Remove shrimp when done – You know they are done when they curl and turn pink.
Add the chopped onions to the butter to sauté. Stir and let it cook until onions are fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add in crushed tomatoes and stir. Add 1 cup of water (or shrimp stock for extra flavor), salt, black pepper and the remaining half teaspoon of McCormick Basil, Oregano, Garlic & Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the water reduces slightly and the sauce thickens.
Add the boiled pasta and mix well to coat.
Add in the cooked shrimp and some freshly chopped parsley. Mix well and serve warm.

Notes

1. Any pasta of choice will work well in this recipe. I used spaghetti but you could use linguine, angel hair or just any pasta.

2. To make your meal extra flavorful, make a stock out of shrimp shells to use in the meal. Here is what to do: do not throw your shrimp shells after peeling. Instead, place them in a pot and add water to the same level as the shrimp shells. Then boil for about 5 minutes. Strain and use the stock instead of the required 1 cup of water in this recipe.

3. You could use white pepper (my preference) instead of black pepper. I just love the flavor of white pepper!

Nutrition

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: International

Calories: 305

If you make this recipe please leave a star rating below. Your rating helps others find the recipe plus I love hearing from you! Thank you!

Pin this recipe:

Blackened shrimp pasta - a flavorful pasta dinner made in 30 minutes.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creation! Please share a photo on Instagram and tag me: @preciouscore, or share a photo on my Facebook page. Your feedback and photos truly brighten my day!