Italian Shrimp Recipes: Uniquely Delicious

Meaty, briny, and juicy, shrimp makes for a delectable source of protein.

And it’s no secret how skillful Italian chefs are at handling these delicate sea creatures. With subtleness and sophistication, they have come up with a variety of exquisite shrimp recipes, from fresh springtime primavera and spicy fra diavolo to rich creamy alfredo and many other delightful dishes.

With so many to choose from, we have rounded up a list of classic Italian shrimp recipes for you to explore and enjoy.

Elements in Italian Shrimp Recipes

Shrimp is extremely versatile and easy to cook with, but how do you add a classy Italian touch to it? Here are some common ways of combining other ingredients and spices with shrimp:

1. Other Ingredients

When it comes to staples, rice and pasta make the base of many Italian shrimp recipes.

There’s a wide range of pasta for you to choose from and get creative with, though some shrimp recipes may require specific types. For example, long-cut spaghetti and fettuccine work best with pesto sauce, while shrimp orzo, as the name suggests, calls for small rice-shaped orzo pasta.

Rice is usually used to make a rich flavorful risotto. Risotto is simply rice cooked in a seasoned broth of choice until it reaches a creamy consistency, which pairs wonderfully well with savory plump shrimp. Some believe you can only use arborio rice for risotto, but many regular varieties work well for this dish too.

Another well-loved ingredient when it comes to Italian cooking is cheese, and shrimp recipes are no exception. From mild mozzarella to fruity and nutty parmesan, the addition of cheese adds more flavor notes and can both balance and unify dishes.

2. Spices

Of course, it is the spices that bring the most originality and character to a dish. In Italian cuisine, the use of herbs is paramount. From the sweet and savory flavor of basil to the pungent taste of thyme and the lemony fragrance of marjoram, any true fan of Italian food can’t help but fall in love with these aromatics.

When mixed together, these herbs form what is often called “Italian seasoning,” and it is used everywhere.

Best Italian Shrimp Recipes

Now that’s all said and done, let’s get into these recipes for delicious Italian shrimp dishes.

1 of 12

Voodoo Shrimp Recipe

This meal offers a new bag of tricks to win your guests over. Imperative to the dish is a tomato stew heartened with peppery aromas. It’ll have everyone at the table clamoring for more.

Get the recipe.

2 of 12

1 of 12

Pesto Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This herbaceous, tomato-tangy platter will be a delightful treat in the unforgiving summer heat. There’s something about crisp seafood flavors in a savory sauce that’s truly refreshing.

Get the recipe.

3 of 12

1 of 12

Shrimp Risotto Recipe

Risotto takes a bit of effort in exchange for tonnes of flavor—a fair trade, in our opinion. You’ll take your mealtime to the next level with this ultimate comforting feast you’ll never forget.

Get the recipe.

4 of 12

1 of 12

Shrimp Marinara Recipe

With this deep red Marinara sauce, you can pull off a hearty meal in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect pasta finish.

Get the recipe.

5 of 12

1 of 12

Shrimp Fra Diavolo Recipe

This Fra Diavolo, which translates to “Brother Devil,” depicts the fiery red sauce in this recipe. For subtle heat, a garlic, tomato, and paprika relish with a touch of red pepper.

Get the recipe.

6 of 12

1 of 12

Shrimp Piccata Recipe

Piccata centers around a creamy butter, lemon juice, and capers sauce, giving the shrimp a tremendous flavor boost. There’s nothing like a zesty dressing to complement pasta.

Get the recipe.

7 of 12

1 of 12

Shrimp Pizza Recipe

It’ll only take a few bites for the family to fall in love with this pizza. Especially if they’re eager for something different, the mushroom, cheese, and shrimp mix will spur their appetites. Be prepared for this pizza request time and time again!

Get the recipe.

8 of 12

1 of 12

Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

This dish will do wonders if you’re feeling the blues and need a comforting meal. Spaghetti and plump shrimp are served in a creamy white sauce that’s robust with garlic and onion flavors to satiate.

Get the recipe.

9 of 12

1 of 12

Pesto Shrimp Recipe

Pesto is the single thing that makes shrimp immediately irresistible. Including it in this recipe will help you revolutionize your family dinners without breaking a sweat.

Get the recipe.

10 of 12

A close-up shot of fettuccine, shrimp, and shaved parmesan on top, with a salad in the background

1 of 12

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Fettuccine pasta and parmesan cheese find their perfect pair in this healthy shrimp scampi dish. A true comfort feast that hails from Italian cuisine.

Get the recipe.

11 of 12

1 of 12

Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi Recipe

This one-pot meal is only 25 minutes away. Add the spaghetti, garlic seasoning, and shrimp one after another into the instant pot and leave it to do the rest.

Get the recipe.

12 of 12

1 of 12

Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

Traditional Italian flavors never get old in this Tuscany special. Olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes create the base for a savory meal with spaghetti.

Get the recipe.

Those are our suggested Italian shrimp recipes for your next fulfilling meal. We hope you thoroughly enjoy them!

What Is Italian Seasoning?

Though the name is Italian seasoning, this herb mix is commonly believed to be an American invention, created to assemble the exquisite flavors of vibrant Italy into one mix.

The five core herbs that make up a traditional Italian seasoning are basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and oregano. Still, you will find that each brand has a different version with its own variations and additions such as pepper flakes, sage, and garlic powder.

You can use this simple yet flavorful herb mix for many Italian recipes, from pasta, pizza, and spaghetti sauce to salads, seafood, and meat stews.

Homemade Italian Seasoning

If you’ve run out of your Italian spice blend or just don’t feel satisfied with any store-bought mixture, then make your own!

This is a no muss, no fuss kind of task. Plus, it gives you complete control over the flavors of your dish.

There are only two steps: select your desired ingredients and blend them together.

You can base your mixture on the classic ingredients, including dried thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, and basil. Other possible additions are garlic powder, red pepper flakes, sage, parsley, and fennel seeds.

Feel free to add and adjust to create a herb mixture that best suits your taste.