Parsley

• Because of its common use as a garnish, parsley may be one of the most under-appreciated spices. Parsley is actually chock-full of nutritional goodness. It is packed with antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, folic acid and vitamins K, C and A. In addition to nutrients, parsley also adds flavor to your dish. Parsley brings a natural and vibrant taste that will complement many shrimp and pasta recipes. It is commonly included in recipes for shrimp scampi, fra diavolo and Cajun seafood pasta. There are two popular types of parsley, flat-leaf and curly. The flat-leaf parsley is less bitter and more fragrant. Flat-leaf is the more popular choice for pasta and shrimp dishes because it is more hearty and stands up better to cooking.

Red Pepper

• Red pepper is made from ground or crushed chili peppers. Actually, the term red pepper refers to all varieties of hot red pepper spices. Cayenne is one variety that packs a lot of heat. While this spice will add a lot of flavor to your shrimp and pasta dish, you'll want to use it sparingly. Adding too much heat can ruin an otherwise tasty recipe. Red pepper is known for being a pungent spice with a powerful bite. This spice can be used to punch-up the flavor of shrimp parmesan, spicy shrimp pasta or fra diavolo. Use standard red pepper to add medium heat or crushed cayenne pepper for a more intense heat.

Basil

• Basil is a highly-fragrant spice that is used for many recipes. It is the main ingredient in pesto, which is also a flavorful complement to seafood and pasta dishes. In addition to adding a fresh and sometimes sweet taste to your recipes, basil is also nutrient-rich. It has a high concentration of iron and vitamin K. There are more than 60 types of basil that all have subtle differences. Try mixing this spice with angel hair pasta and shrimp for a delectable lunch or dinner.