Pasta with sautéed shrimp and broccoli rabe is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between rich comfort and vibrant, fresh flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
The magic of this dish lies in the contrast of flavors and textures. The shrimp are tender and slightly sweet, offering a delicate richness that pairs beautifully with the assertive, slightly bitter bite of broccoli rabe. A quick sauté in olive oil with garlic and chili flakes brings everything to life. The garlic adds warmth, the chili a touch of heat, and the olive oil ties it all together with silky depth.
The pasta, whether you choose spaghetti, linguine, or orecchiette, acts as the perfect canvas. It absorbs the flavorful oils and juices from the pan, creating a light sauce that coats every bite. A squeeze of lemon over the finished dish adds brightness and helps balance the bold greens and savory shrimp. It’s simple, but each element plays an important role in building flavor.
What’s great about this meal is how customizable it is. You can toss in cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, finish with grated parmesan for a richer twist, or add toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch. It’s naturally light, but still comforting, and it feels just a little elevated thanks to the combination of seafood and seasonal greens.
This pasta dish isn’t trying to be flashy, it’s straightforward, satisfying, and full of character. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, especially when you want a dinner that feels special without requiring a special occasion.

Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined, medium
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe trimmed and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped broccoli rabe and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked linguine. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition










Alright meal, but I don’t like the shrimp. Can I use chicken instead? Just wondering.
Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken? Hate seafood. 🤢
Super easy recipe! I made it last night, but forgot the red pepper flakes. Might try again with them, but it was still good!
I don’t know, seems too healthy for my taste. No thanks.
This recipe is a game changer! I absolutely love pasta with shrimp! 🍝
Tastyy!! Shrimp on pasta is the besttt. Made this one time and now im a chef! Thanks!
The instructions were a bit confusing. I burned the garlic 😓. Better luck next time.
Quick and easy! Perfect for my busy nights. Thanks for sharing!
I tried this recipe last night and it really was super easy! My kids loved it too. Will definitely make again! 👍
Looks good, but shrimp? Really? Some people are allergic. You should include alternatives for those who can’t eat seafood.
This pasta dish is amazing! The shrimp was perfectly cooked and the broccoli rabe added a nice bitterness. Definitely making this again!
Very straightforward instructions! I added some lemon juice at the end and it was a hit! My family loved it.
It was okay but I think the broccoli rabe was too bitter for me. I’ll stick to regular broccoli next time.
I don’t get the hype about broccoli rabe. Used regular broccoli instead, still turned out alright but I think it could be better.
Nah, this ain’t it. The shrimp was too chewy and the whole dish was bland. I added a jar of sauce just to save it.
This was a hit! The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the flavor was amazing. I will definitely make it again!
I burnt my shrimp. 😭 Might help to lower the heat, huh? Not doing great in the kitchen.
Burnt shrimp? That sounds like a disaster! But don’t worry, it’s all part of learning to cook. Just remember: watch the pan!
Lowering the heat is definitely a good idea! Cooking shrimp can be tricky if you’re not careful. You’ll get the hang of it! 😊
I don’t even know what broccoli rabe is, but this was tasty!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Broccoli rabe is actually a type of leafy green, really good for you!
Yum! I added some cherry tomatoes and it made the dish so colorful! 👌
Shrimp tastes so good! But what the heck is broccoli rabe??
Meh. It was edible but kinda bland. I added some lemon juice to give it a kick but wouldn’t make it again.
Soo simple and tasty! I added some lemon juice for extra flavor. Yum!
Simple to follow, but the shrimp was overcooked. Next time I’ll watch closer.
Super easy recipe and tasty too! Made it for my family and they loved it! Who knew cooking shrimp could be so simple?
Shrimp is good but I prefer chicken in my pasta. Just saying! 🤔
Chicken would be good too! But shrimp adds a nice flavor. 🤷♀️
I couldn’t find broccoli rabe, so I used regular broccoli instead. Still good, but I bet the rabe is better. Either way, delicious!
Pasta is pasta, what’s the big deal?
I don’t like spicy. Can I leave out the red pepper?
Yes, you can totally leave out the red pepper! The dish will still be delicious without it. Just add a bit more garlic if you like!
But isn’t the spice like, the best part? I mean, it adds flavor! You really sure you wanna skip it?
I tried this but used spinach instead of broccoli rabe. Still tasty!
Sounds great! Spinach is a nice sub, love that you made it your own! 🌱
But isn’t broccoli rabe like, the main thing? Hope it still taste good tho.
My kids loved it! Even the broccoli! 👏
Too much olive oil for my taste. Next time I’ll use half that amount. But overall, not bad.
Great recipe! My family loved it. I used garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, worked fine!
Hmm, I dunno. Fresh garlic has a totally different taste. I wonder if it really comes out the same. 🤔
Glad to hear it worked out! Garlic powder can be a real time saver. I’m thinking of trying it like that too!
It’s pasta, what’s not to love? I added some more spices, tasted great! But is it really necessary to rinse linguine after cooking? Seems weird.
If you added more spices, that sounds awesome! I think rinsing is just a preference, but I never do it. Just eat and enjoy! 🍝
I think rinsing linguine is a no-no! It removes the starch that helps sauces stick. Plus, pasta is best when it’s not soggy 🥴.
Yum! I added a bit of parmesan cheese and it took it to the next level. Thanks for sharing!
Parmesan is a great choice! I love how it adds creaminess. Gonna try that next time!
I dont like broccoli rabe, but the shrimp was good. Maybe use spinach next time?
Broccoli rabe ain’t that bad! You just gotta cook it right. But I get it, spinach could be nice too.
Sounds like a great idea! Spinach would make it creamier. Thanks for the suggestion!
This was a hit with my family! Loved the shrimp and the spicy kick from the red pepper flakes.
This is kind of fancy for an everyday meal, but I like it.
This was amazing! The combination of shrimp and broccoli rabe is so delicious. Will definitely make again!
This dish is a complete meal, filled with flavors! Broccoli rabe didn’t taste that bad!
Could you please specify how much salt to use? I guess just to taste?
I’m not a huge fan of broccoli rabe so I swapped it for spinach. Still tasted great!
I found this recipe really confusing. I messed up the cooking times and the shrimp ended up rubbery. Not sure I’d try it again.
Too spicy for me! I thought it said teaspoons but it said tablespoons 😬. Next time no red pepper flakes.
This turned out amazing! The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the broccoli rabe added a nice touch. Will definitely make it again!
Easy to make but I think I put too much salt. My bad. Next time less salt!