Hey pasta lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp pasta for years, and the #1 question I always get is “how much shrimp should I use per person?” Well, I’m gonna break it down for you today in super simple terms. No fancy chef talk – just straight-up practical advice!
Quick Answer
For a main course pasta dish. plan on
- 4-6 oz (113-170g) of cooked shrimp per person
- OR 1/3 to 1/2 pound of raw shrimp per person
- OR follow this quick reference guide:
| Shrimp Size | Appetizer Portion | Main Dish Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Medium (26-30/lb) | 8-12 pieces | 10-15 pieces |
| Large (21-25/lb) | 6-10 pieces | 8-12 pieces |
| Jumbo (11-15/lb) | 3-5 pieces | 5-8 pieces |
| Colossal (< 10/lb) | 2-4 pieces | 4-6 pieces |
Why These Amounts Work Best
Listen, I’ve made tons of shrimp pasta over the years, and these portions just work. Here’s why
- They give enough protein without overwhelming the pasta
- You get shrimp in almost every bite
- It’s cost-effective (cause lets be real, shrimp ain’t cheap!)
- The pasta-to-shrimp ratio feels satisfying
Factors That’ll Change Your Portion Size
1. The Pasta Type You’re Using
Different pasta shapes need different amounts of shrimp
- Long noodles (spaghetti, linguine): Standard portions work great
- Small shapes (orzo, farfalle): Add 20% more shrimp
- Stuffed pasta (ravioli): Reduce shrimp by 25%
2. Your Sauce Choice
- Light sauces (garlic & oil): Use more shrimp
- Heavy sauces (alfredo): Use less shrimp
- Tomato-based: Standard portions work fine
3. Extra Ingredients
Got other stuff in your pasta? Adjust accordingly:
- Adding veggies? Use less shrimp
- Mixed seafood? Cut shrimp portion in half
- Just pasta and shrimp? Stick to recommended amounts
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Buying Raw vs Cooked
- Always go for raw when possible
- If using frozen cooked shrimp, reduce portions by 25%
- Raw shrimp shrinks when cooking, so buy extra
-
Size Matters
The bigger the shrimp, the fewer pieces you need. I usually go for large (21-25/lb) for pasta dishes – they’re perfect bite-sized pieces. -
Storage Tips
Made too much? Here’s what to do:
- Refrigerate: 3-4 days max
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (but texture might change)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Don’t Overcrowd
Too much shrimp makes the pasta hard to eat. Trust me, I’ve been there! -
Watch Those Tails
Remove them unless you’re going for looks – nobody wants to fish them out while eating. -
Temperature Matters
Don’t add cold shrimp to hot pasta – it’ll mess up your whole dish.
Recipe Ideas
Here’s my go-to shrimp scampi recipe for 2 people:
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (about 12-15 pieces)
- 8 oz linguine
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley
Super simple, super delicious!
Final Thoughts
Remember, these are guidelines, not rules set in stone. I’ve found that pasta dishes are pretty forgiving – a few extra shrimp never hurt nobody! Just keep in mind who you’re cooking for and adjust accordingly.
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments! I love helping fellow pasta enthusiasts get their shrimp game just right. Happy cooking, y’all!
What to Serve With This
Important Note About the Pasta
Helpful Timing Tip: start the water boiling for the pasta at the very beginning and then get working on the shrimp and sauce. Take a quick break to add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, you can finish up the other components.
The most important thing to remember about this recipe is that you need to ladle out and reserve a cup or so of the pasta water before draining the pasta!
Every time I’ve made this recipe, I’ve ended up using a good portion of the reserved pasta water to help loosen up the sauce. The starchy pasta water amplifies the creaminess of the sauce and helps the pasta not become stodgy and sticky.
How to Cook Shrimp Scampi with Pasta | Allrecipes
FAQ
How much shrimp to pasta ratio?
Pasta gets bulkier as it cook (absorbs water) while shrimp gets smaller (loses water). Generally, one serving of pasta is 100 g dry while one serving of shrimp is 120g raw. So bump it up to 150:100 or 180:100 if you want extra protein.
How many shrimp to serve per person?
The recommended shrimp serving per an average person is three ounces. This translates to 11-12 “medium” shrimp, 8-9 “large” shrimp, or just 3 “colossal” shrimp.
How many servings is 2 pounds of shrimp?
If the shrimp is the main dish, plan for about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of shrimp per person. This will give each person a generous serving size of 6 to 8 large shrimp or 12 to 15 small to medium shrimp.
How many shrimp per person for a shrimp boil?
For a shrimp boil, plan on 1/2 to 1 pound of raw, unpeeled shrimp per person. If using cooked and peeled shrimp, you can reduce the amount to 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person, according to a seafood blog.
How many shrimp per person?
For an appetizer, the recommended servings are 2-3 colossal shrimp, 4-5 jumbo shrimp, 4-6 large shrimp, 6 medium shrimp, 6-8 small shrimp, or 8-10 mini shrimp per person. For an entree, it is suggested to serve 6-8 colossal shrimp, 8-10 jumbo shrimp, 10-12 large shrimp, 12-15 medium shrimp, 15-20 small shrimp, or 20-25 mini shrimp per person.
How much shrimp should a family eat?
Traditional shrimp soup calls for 120 grams per bowl. A family-style pot with 2 pounds of shrimp feeds 6-8 hungry souls, averaging 4-5 ounces per person. Plan 3-4 ounces of shrimp per guest for these warming bowls, letting aromatics and broth work their magic. Spectacular seafood celebrations demand precise planning.
How much shrimp do you eat in a pot?
Cajun shrimp stew sings with small to medium shrimp (41-60 count), their sweet flesh complementing hearty potatoes and farm-fresh eggs. Traditional shrimp soup calls for 120 grams per bowl. A family-style pot with 2 pounds of shrimp feeds 6-8 hungry souls, averaging 4-5 ounces per person.
How many jumbo shrimp per pound?
With their impressive size, ranging from 13-25 count per pound, jumbo shrimp are a popular choice for appetizers. To ensure that your guests experience the full delight of jumbo shrimp, it is recommended to serve 4-5 shrimp per person.
How much boiled shrimp per person?
To ensure everyone is satisfied with their share of boiled shrimp, it is recommended to plan for approximately ½ to 1 pound of shell-on shrimp per person. The specific amount depends on individual preferences and the inclusion of additional sides like corn, potatoes, and sausage.
What size shrimp should I buy?
Majestic U/15 and 16/20 shrimp command attention in cocktail presentations and grilled dishes. Medium varieties (36/50) create harmony in pasta and stir-fries, while smaller sizes (51/60+) enhance salads, soups, and dips with delicate flavor. Thoughtful portion planning considers both presentation and purpose.