Linguine With Spicy Peanut Shrimp Sauce
A vibrant, spicy seafood pasta featuring tender shrimp and bell peppers in a creamy peanut and ginger sauce, perfect for quick, flavorful weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. linguine, fettuccine or spaghetti ⓘ
- 12 oz. medium fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 3 red bell peppers, seeds and ribs removed, cut into bite-size strips ⓘ
- 3 scallions, sliced thin ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup low-sodium broth or water
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed, seeded and sliced very thin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. mild white vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan and place over low heat.
- Cover and simmer until the sauce is smooth and the shrimp are cooked through, about 2 minutes.
- When pasta is done, drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add sauce and toss gently until well combined.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in soy sauce and ginger before cooking. You can substitute any pasta shape you prefer, or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. If you want a creamier sauce, mix in a touch of coconut milk. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeno based on your spice tolerance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for extra crunch and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a delicious twist, try serving it alongside grilled pineapple or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the spice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine With Spicy Peanut Shrimp Sauce contains roughly 722 calories, with 27g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2652mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to maintain the sauce's consistency. They may take a minute longer to cook, so ensure they are opaque and cooked through.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes and jalapeno, which provide heat. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce these ingredients or omit them altogether. Alternatively, you can serve with a side of yogurt or sour cream to balance the spice.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you need a substitute for peanut butter due to allergies, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar texture and flavor. For a nut-free option, you can blend tahini with a bit of honey or maple syrup to mimic the sweetness and creaminess of peanut butter.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).