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spicy_shrimp_beef_spaghetti

Spicy Shrimp & Beef Spaghetti

This spicy shrimp and beef spaghetti combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, juicy shrimp, and a bold tomato sauce flavored with garlic, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and Cajun seasoning. Ready in 40 minutes, it is a hearty seafood and beef dinner with a satisfying spicy kick.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired, Italian-American
Calories: 690
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 250 g ground beef
  • 250 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • Separate skillet For cooking the shrimp
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and tender.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the beef sauce and toss until evenly coated. Stir in a little reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
  7. Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the spaghetti, making sure the shrimp are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
  8. Sprinkle the spicy shrimp and beef spaghetti with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Cook the spaghetti only until al dente so it stays firm when tossed with the sauce.
Reserve some pasta water before draining so the sauce can be loosened if needed.
Drain excess fat from the beef after browning if necessary.
Adjust the heat by reducing, omitting, or increasing the red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning.
Cook the shrimp only until pink and opaque to keep it tender.
Fold the shrimp into the pasta gently after the spaghetti is coated with sauce.
Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.