20 Amazing Italian Shrimp Dishes for Every Occasion

Italian cuisine transforms simple shrimp into extraordinary meals using fresh herbs, quality ingredients, and time-tested techniques. These recipes showcase the best of coastal Italian cooking.

From quick weeknight pastas to elegant dinner party dishes, each recipe brings authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen with approachable methods.

01. Quick Lemon Spaghetti with Fresh Shrimp

This version uses fresh shrimp, spaghetti, lemon juice, garlic, and quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh basil adds brightness to this classic Italian pairing.

The key technique involves tossing hot pasta with lemon juice and pasta water. This creates a silky sauce that coats every strand perfectly.

Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast. Takes under 20 minutes with restaurant-quality results every time.

02. Shrimp Florentine over Zucchini Noodles

This lighter approach combines shrimp and baby spinach in lemon-butter sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles. The dish stays fresh and vibrant throughout cooking.

Using a spiralizer makes zucchini noodles quick and uniform. The vegetables cook just enough to stay tender but not mushy.

Great for low-carb diets or summer meals when you want something satisfying. The whole dish comes together in about 15 minutes.

03. Italian Shellfish Salad with Garden Peas

This method uses both shrimp and scallops with garden peas and garlic-parsley dressing. The shellfish stays tender when cooked just until opaque.

Chilling the salad for several hours lets all the flavors blend together beautifully. The garlic mellows while the herbs become more pronounced.

Perfect for entertaining since you make it ahead of time. Works great as an appetizer or light lunch on warm days.

04. Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo Pasta

This version uses crushed red pepper, garlic, Italian red wine, and tomatoes with linguine pasta. The heat level builds slowly as you eat.

Adding red wine creates depth while the chili flakes provide steady heat throughout. The sauce clings well to flat pasta shapes.

Great for spice lovers who want authentic Italian heat. Takes about 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day.

05. Hearty Italian Seafood Stew

This traditional approach combines shrimp, scallops, mussels, cod, and clams in rich tomato broth. Each type of seafood adds its own flavor to the base.

The stew simmers slowly to blend all the seafood flavors together. Crusty bread soaks up every drop of the flavorful broth.

Perfect for cold weather when you want something warming and substantial. Takes about an hour but feeds a crowd beautifully.

06. Classic Italian Fish and Seafood Soup

This version uses homemade fish stock with prawns, cod, mussels, and clams for authentic flavor. The stock makes all the difference in taste.

Toasted garlic bread goes in the bottom of each bowl before ladling. This technique adds texture and soaks up the rich broth.

Takes more time to make the stock but creates restaurant-quality results. The extra effort shows in every spoonful.

07. Spring Penne with Asparagus and Shrimp

This method combines fresh asparagus, shrimp, white wine, garlic, and lemon with penne pasta. The asparagus stays crisp-tender when cooked properly.

White wine deglazes the pan and creates a light sauce base. The alcohol cooks off while leaving behind complex flavors.

Perfect for spring when asparagus is at its best. The whole dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

08. Pesto Gnocchi with Tender Shrimp

This version uses potato gnocchi, basil pesto, shrimp, and asparagus for a satisfying combination. Store-bought ingredients work great for busy nights.

The pesto coats the pillowy gnocchi while the shrimp adds protein. Asparagus brings color and fresh vegetable flavor to balance everything.

Great for weeknight dinners when you want something special. Making homemade gnocchi and pesto takes it to the next level.

09. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine

This approach uses fresh shrimp, linguine, cream, garlic, and herbs for rich comfort food. Baby spinach adds nutrition without changing the flavor much.

The cream sauce stays silky when you don’t let it boil too hard. Gentle heat keeps everything smooth and luxurious.

Perfect for date nights or when you want to treat yourself. Takes less than 30 minutes but feels indulgent.

10. Black Rice with Prawns and Zucchini

This elegant version uses nutty black rice, zucchini, white wine, and large prawns. The black rice has a unique texture and earthy flavor.

The rice absorbs the white wine and cooking liquid slowly. This technique creates creamy texture without adding cream or butter.

Great for impressing guests with something different and sophisticated. Takes about 45 minutes but creates stunning presentation on the plate.

11. Homemade Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

This version makes Alfredo sauce from scratch using butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh shrimp cooks quickly in the creamy base.

The key technique involves melting butter and cream together slowly before adding cheese. This prevents the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.

Takes more effort than jarred sauce but tastes infinitely better. The homemade version has silky texture and rich flavor throughout.

12. Authentic Shrimp and Scallop Risotto

This method uses Arborio rice, fish stock, white wine, and mixed shellfish for authentic Italian results. The rice releases starch slowly during cooking.

Stirring constantly while adding warm stock creates the signature creamy texture. The shellfish goes in at the end to prevent overcooking.

Perfect for special occasions when you want to show off your skills. Takes patience and attention but creates restaurant-quality results.

13. Baked Garlic Shrimp Pasta Skillet

This version combines shrimp, tomatoes, herbs, and pasta in one skillet before baking. Parmesan and mozzarella create a golden, bubbly top.

Baking in the skillet lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. The cheese on top gets crispy while the pasta stays creamy underneath.

Great for feeding families or when you want minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in one pan for easy weeknight dinners.

14. Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta

This approach uses ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and shrimp for classic Italian flavors. The ingredients stay bright and fresh throughout cooking.

Adding mozzarella at the end lets it melt slightly without becoming stringy. Fresh basil wilts just enough to release its aromatic oils.

Perfect for summer when tomatoes are at their peak ripeness. The dish feels light but satisfying on warm evenings.

15. Bucatini with Shrimp and Anchovy Sauce

This version uses thick bucatini pasta, shrimp, anchovies, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The anchovies dissolve into the sauce for deep umami flavor.

The hollow pasta shape holds onto the chunky sauce perfectly. Anchovy oil adds natural saltiness without making the dish taste fishy.

Great for adventurous eaters who want authentic Italian flavors. The anchovies add complexity that makes this dish memorable and satisfying.

16. Classic Shrimp Scampi over Pasta

This traditional method uses shrimp, butter, white wine, garlic, and pasta for elegant simplicity. The sauce stays light while delivering rich flavor.

The key technique involves not overcooking the shrimp while building the sauce. High heat creates the perfect texture in just minutes.

Perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. Simple ingredients create sophisticated results that always impress everyone at the table.

17. Ancona-Style Fish Stew with Shrimp

This regional version uses whatever fresh seafood looks best, typically shrimp, clams, and firm fish. The tomato base simmers slowly to develop depth.

Each type of seafood gets added at different times based on cooking needs. This technique ensures everything finishes perfectly without overcooking.

Great for using up different types of seafood from the market. Crusty bread makes it a complete meal that satisfies completely.

18. Vegetable-Packed Shrimp Primavera

This version loads seasonal vegetables with shrimp and pasta, plus red pepper flakes for gentle heat. The vegetables stay crisp-tender and colorful.

You can blend the sauce smooth for picky eaters or keep it chunky. The vegetables create natural sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.

Perfect for using up garden vegetables or getting kids to eat more veggies. The dish changes with whatever vegetables you have available.

19. White Bean and Shrimp Salad

This method combines cannellini beans, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with garlic-red wine vinaigrette. The beans add protein and creamy texture.

Serving over salad greens makes this a complete meal that feels fresh. The vinaigrette ties all the Mediterranean flavors together beautifully.

Great for outdoor dining or meal prep since it keeps well. You can make it ahead and it actually tastes better the next day.

20. Light Pesto Shrimp Pasta

This version uses homemade walnut-parsley pesto or store-bought basil pesto with sweet shrimp. The nuts add richness without heavy cream.

The pesto coats the pasta lightly while letting the shrimp flavor shine through. Lemon wedges brighten everything up at the end.

Perfect for summer meals when you want something satisfying but not heavy. Takes minimal cooking time while delivering maximum flavor impact.

Final Thoughts

These Italian shrimp recipes prove that simple ingredients create the most memorable meals when prepared with care and authentic techniques.

Whether you choose quick weeknight pasta or elegant risotto, each dish brings the flavors of coastal Italy to your table beautifully.