Shrimp and fusilli pasta is a combination that brings together the tender succulence of shrimp with the delightful spirals of fusilli, creating a meal that is both visually appealing and deeply satisfying. With the right sauce, this dish transforms into a culinary masterpiece, offering layers of flavour in every bite.
The choice of fusilli is no accident. Its spiral shape is perfect for holding onto sauce, ensuring that each forkful is generously coated in flavour. Whether the sauce is light and citrusy, rich and creamy, or infused with bold Mediterranean ingredients, fusilli enhances the experience by delivering texture and taste in equal measure.
Shrimp plays a starring role, bringing its naturally sweet and delicate seafood essence to the dish. When cooked just right, shrimp remains tender and juicy, adding a touch of luxury to an otherwise humble bowl of pasta. The key lies in its ability to absorb the surrounding flavours while maintaining its own unique character.
Sauce selection is where personal preference comes into play. A garlic and butter sauce, perhaps enriched with a splash of white wine and a pinch of chilli flakes, creates a vibrant and aromatic base. Alternatively, a creamy Parmesan and herb sauce adds a layer of indulgence, coating the fusilli in velvety richness. For those drawn to Mediterranean flavours, a tomato-based sauce with olives, capers and fresh basil brings a delightful tanginess that pairs exceptionally well with shrimp. These are just a few ideas but I’m sure you can think of more.
The beauty of shrimp and fusilli pasta lies in its versatility. It can be a quick weeknight meal, ready in minutes or a refined dish served at a dinner gathering. Pair it with a crisp white wine, a fresh green salad or even a slice of warm, crusty bread (my favourite) to complete the experience.
Shrimp Fusilli can be enjoyed as a light and refreshing dish or as a rich and comforting indulgence. It’s a dish that invites creativity, allowing for endless variations while always delivering on taste and satisfaction. One thing is certain – with the right balance of ingredients, every bite is a delicious journey worth savouring.

Shrimp Fusilli
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 250 g fusilli pasta
- 300 g shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice optional
Sauce Options:
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Mediterranean Tomato Sauce:
- 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olives sliced
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.250 g fusilli pasta
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.300 g shrimp, salt, pepper
Prepare your chosen sauce:
For Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Add butter, white wine, chilli flakes and lemon juice into a pan.3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup white wine, 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes, 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
For Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme and black pepper into a pan.1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Stir and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
For Mediterranean Tomato Sauce:
- Add tomatoes, olives, capers, oregano and sugar into a pan.400 g chopped tomatoes, 1/4 cup olives, 1 tbsp capers, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp sugar
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finishing the dish:
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked fusilli, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon juice if using and serve immediately.1 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice
10 comments
Made this as a change to the usual tuna pasta and it was delicious. The sauce went so well with everything and definately making this again.
I love that this recipe offers multiple sauce choices. I went with the creamy Parmesan, and it was a total hit with my family
I tried the creamy Parmesan sauce, and it was heavenly.
The Mediterranean tomato sauce brought such a refreshing twist.
The white wine in the garlic butter sauce really made the dish shine.
The shrimp were perfectly tender, and the sauce options make this recipe so versatile.
Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.
This dish is absolutely fantastic! The garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the shrimp, and the fusilli holds onto every delicious flavour.
This is my new go-to shrimp pasta recipe.
I tried the parmesan sauce bu trying the others soon. Love how easy this dish is.