A quick and flavorful shrimp pasta that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for cooking over a campfire or on the stovetop. With frozen shrimp, Manchego cheese, and a touch of lemon, this dish is simple, delicious, and great for both camping and home cooking.
Why This Shrimp Pasta Is Perfect for Camping
When it comes to cooking while camping, I always look for recipes that are simple, delicious, and require minimal ingredients. This shrimp pasta has become a go-to for my family of five because it checks all the boxes.
With frozen shrimp that naturally thaw by the time you’re ready to cook, a handful of bold flavours, and a quick assembly over the fire, this meal makes campsite cooking effortless. Plus, nothing beats enjoying a warm, garlicky, lemony pasta under the open sky!
The Taste: Bold, Savory, and Fresh
This dish delivers big flavors with little effort. The garlic-infused shrimp bring out a rich umami taste, while the fresh lemon juice adds a bright zing. Manchego cheese melts beautifully, coating the pasta in a creamy, nutty goodness. A sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning blend ties it all together with a warm, slightly smoky touch that pairs perfectly with the fire-cooked finish.
At the campground, with limited time and tools, I always reach for meals that feel special yet effortless. This shrimp pasta is a family favourite—because let’s be honest, no kid ever refuses pasta, and bringing seafood to the campsite always feels like a little luxury.
Ingredients
Frozen shrimp (shell-off for convenience) – Frozen shrimp are easy to store and naturally thaw by the time you're ready to cook.
Pasta of choice (rigatoni or penne) – A sturdy pasta holds up well to campfire cooking and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Cloves garlic, minced – Garlic infuses the dish with deep, savory flavor that enhances the shrimp
Lemon, juiced – The fresh acidity brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cheese and shrimp.
Manchego cheese – This cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty, creamy finish to the pasta.
Old Bay Seasoning – A mix of warm spices that complements the shrimp and brings out a slightly smoky depth.
Olive oil or butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp to perfection.
Not Just for Camping – Make It at Home!
While this recipe shines as an easy camping meal, it’s just as fantastic for a quick weeknight dinner at home. Swap the campfire for your stovetop, and in under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality pasta that the whole family will love. The simplicity of ingredients and the bold, fresh flavours make this dish a staple, no matter where you cook it!
So next time you're packing for a camping trip, don't forget your frozen shrimp and Manchego—you’ll have an easy, delicious meal ready in no time!
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Easy Camping Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ kg frozen shrimp (shell-off for convenience)
- 450 g pasta of choice rigatoni or penne
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning see blog note
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup manchego cheese, grate or grated mozzarella cheese
- ¼ red onion, diced
- ¼ cup olives
Instructions
- Thaw the Shrimp – Take frozen shrimp out of the freezer 30-40 minutes before cooking.
- Cook the Pasta – Boil a pot of water over the fire or camp stove and cook the pasta until al dente (slightly undercooked is fine). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the rest, and set aside.
- In a cast iron pan over the fire, melt butter and sauté the diced onion until soft and fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the pan, then season with bay spice blend, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until pink and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Add the cooked pasta, manchego cheese, and reserved cup of pasta water to the pan and toss everything together.
- Remove from heat and top with red onions and olives for a fresh, briny finish.
