7 Healthy Shrimp Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve been craving a comforting bowl of pasta but still want to keep things on the lighter, healthier side, you’re absolutely in the right place.
Shrimp pasta dishes strike that perfect balance between “wow this feels fancy” and “wow this took barely any effort.”
And honestly, who doesn’t love a recipe that tastes like you low-key put in an hour… when it was more like fifteen minutes?
These seven healthy shrimp pasta recipes deliver big flavor, satisfying textures, and weeknight-friendly simplicity.
Think juicy shrimp, bright veggies, silky sauces, and enough personality to keep your taste buds entertained. Grab your fork—these will quickly become your new go-to dishes.
1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta That Feels Like Sunshine in a Bowl
Some dishes brighten your whole mood, and this one practically beams at you. The combo of lemon, garlic, and perfectly sautéed shrimp hits that clean, zesty, feel-good note every single time.
It’s the kind of pasta you make when you want something light but still wildly satisfying.
I made this on a random Tuesday once and felt unreasonably accomplished afterward. It’s simple, punchy, and ready before you find something decent to watch on Netflix.
Ingredients
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Whole wheat spaghetti
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon zest and juice
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley
- Crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Save a little pasta water.
- Heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook until pink.
- Add lemon juice, zest, and a splash of pasta water.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and parsley.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with extra lemon if you love that brightness.
Why You’ll Love It
The citrusy kick keeps everything feeling fresh and light. It’s bright, simple, and perfect for warm weather or whenever you need a mood booster. IMO, lemon + shrimp is one of those combos that never misses.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add a spoonful of grated Parmesan if you want a richer finish.
- Serving idea: Great paired with a bowl of tomato basil soup or a crisp cucumber salad.
2. Creamy Spinach Shrimp Pasta That’s Shockingly Light
This recipe gives you creaminess without the heavy crash afterward. The sauce is silky thanks to Greek yogurt and a splash of pasta water, which keeps things luxurious without turning into a calorie bomb.
I once tried making it using heavy cream instead—big mistake.
Too heavy, too rich, and somehow less flavorful. The spinach adds color, nutrients, and a fresh note that keeps things balanced.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Whole wheat penne
- Garlic
- Fresh spinach
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook penne and reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add shrimp and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Mix in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and pasta water to form a creamy sauce.
- Toss in pasta and simmer for a minute to blend everything.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s creamy without guilt and flavorful without trying too hard. Spinach melts into the sauce and makes you feel like a responsible adult eating vegetables.
Tips
- Quick tip: Swap spinach for kale if you want a heartier green.
- Serving idea: Perfect for meal prep—this reheats surprisingly well.
3. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta With a Kick
This is the pasta you make when you need something bold and fiery. The Cajun seasoning brings smoky heat, while the tomatoes and garlic keep things grounded.
Every bite feels like a tiny party. I made this once for a friend who claimed they “don’t like spicy stuff.” Spoiler: they asked for seconds. It’s hearty, vibrant, and wakes up your palate instantly.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Whole wheat linguine
- Cajun seasoning
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook linguine.
- Heat olive oil and sauté garlic.
- Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning, cooking until coated and fragrant.
- Toss in tomatoes until they soften.
- Add pasta and a splash of pasta water.
- Finish with parsley and adjust seasoning.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s bold, savory, and a little spicy in the best way. Cajun shrimp is one of those flavors that makes any pasta taste ten times more exciting.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Serving idea: Pairs beautifully with a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
4. Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta That Tastes Like Summer
This dish screams “fresh.” The fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and garlic create a sauce that tastes like it came straight from an Italian garden.
And the shrimp brings just enough richness to balance that brightness. I’ve made this more times than I should admit because it’s basically my lazy comfort dish pretending to be fancy.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Spaghetti
- Fresh tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Crushed red pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook spaghetti.
- Heat olive oil and sauté garlic.
- Add tomatoes and cook until juicy.
- Add shrimp and simmer until cooked.
- Toss in pasta and basil.
- Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy. Basil and tomato are classics for a reason—they just work.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add a spoonful of balsamic glaze for extra depth.
- Serving idea: Serve with roasted vegetables or garlic green beans.
5. Light Pesto Shrimp Pasta for Fresh Herb Lovers
This recipe is for anyone obsessed with fresh, herby flavors. The pesto coats everything in a bright, aromatic layer, while the shrimp adds that savory punch.
Some people add sun-dried tomatoes here, but IMO they overpower the basil. Keep it simple and let the herbs shine.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Whole wheat fusilli
- Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook fusilli.
- Sauté shrimp in olive oil with salt and pepper.
- Add tomatoes until softened.
- Toss in pasta and pesto.
- Add a splash of lemon juice.
- Mix and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s bright, flavorful, and ridiculously quick. The pesto clings to every spiral of pasta, giving you maximum flavor in every bite.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add a handful of arugula for peppery freshness.
- Serving idea: Best enjoyed with grilled zucchini or a simple caprese salad.
6. Creamy Avocado Shrimp Pasta That Feels Surprisingly Gourmet
If you’ve never used avocado as a pasta sauce, this will blow your mind. It’s creamy, buttery, and somehow feels indulgent while being genuinely healthy.
The shrimp adds contrast, and together they make a dish that tastes way fancier than it is. I once tried adding feta to this—hard no. The avocado already brings richness, so keep it clean.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Whole wheat fettuccine
- Avocado
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook fettuccine.
- Blend avocado, garlic, lemon juice, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Sauté shrimp until cooked.
- Toss pasta with the avocado sauce.
- Add shrimp and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s creamy without cream and rich without heaviness. The avocado sauce coats every noodle with silky goodness.
Tips
- Quick tip: Eat this fresh—avocado sauce doesn’t love the fridge.
- Serving idea: Pair with roasted cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.
7. Garlic Mushroom Shrimp Pasta for Cozy Nights
This one feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The combo of mushrooms, garlic, and shrimp gives you earthy, savory notes that feel super cozy without being heavy.
The mushrooms soak up the flavors so well that sometimes they steal the spotlight—honestly, I’m not even mad about it.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Whole wheat spaghetti or linguine
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until browned.
- Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss in pasta with a splash of pasta water.
- Finish with parsley and serve hot.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s savory, comforting, and loaded with texture. The mushrooms add depth while the shrimp keeps things light and balanced.
Tips
- Quick tip: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an umami boost.
- Serving idea: Amazing with roasted broccoli or warm garlic bread (yes, healthy shrimp pasta allows garlic bread—balance, right?).
Conclusion
Healthy shrimp pasta doesn’t have to be boring, complicated, or bland—in fact, these seven recipes prove the opposite.
They’re vibrant, flavorful, quick, and packed with nourishing ingredients that make you feel good after eating.
Whether you crave something zesty, creamy, spicy, or fresh, there’s a bowl here with your name on it.
Shrimp cooks fast, pasta is endlessly flexible, and together they create meals that fit into busy routines without sacrificing taste.
Try one tonight, try all seven this month, and keep these in your weekly rotation whenever you want something healthy that still feels like a treat. Enjoy every bite—you deserve it.
