Shrimp Tomato Pasta Recipe

Shrimp tomato pasta is a simple, flavorful dish that combines juicy shrimp with a rich, tangy tomato sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a quick dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with protein.

The pasta is usually tossed in a creamy or light tomato sauce, giving it a fresh and savory taste. Whether you prefer spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, shrimp tomato pasta can easily be made to suit any pasta type you love. It’s an easy-to-make meal that is ideal for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Tomato Pasta

Shrimp tomato pasta is a delicious dish that’s simple to make and flavorful. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

Quick and Easy to Make: This dish comes together quickly. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a tasty meal in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something satisfying but fast.

Packed with Flavor: The shrimp adds a savory taste, while the tomatoes bring a fresh, tangy twist. Combining the two creates a perfect balance that’s hard to resist. Plus, the pasta soaks up all that flavor for a satisfying bite every time.

Healthy and Nutritious: Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome meal. Tomatoes provide vitamins and antioxidants, while whole wheat pasta can boost fiber intake, keeping you full longer.

Ingredients for Shrimp Tomato Pasta

Here’s everything you need to make a delicious shrimp tomato pasta that’s easy to cook and flavorful!

• Spaghetti is the base of your pasta dish. Choose your favorite brand or type of pasta, but spaghetti works best for this recipe.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp will work. Make sure they are peeled and deveined before cooking.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and shrimp. It adds richness to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a lovely aroma and flavor to the sauce. Chop or mince it for the best taste.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes burst when cooked, adding a fresh, natural sweetness to the pasta.
• Crushed Tomatoes give the dish a rich, saucy texture and help balance the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce, making it rich and comforting.
• Salt and Pepper are essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of spice that can be adjusted based on your taste preference. It adds a little kick to the pasta.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds freshness and a herbaceous note that perfectly complements the tomatoes.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese works well to add a cheesy, creamy finish to the pasta.

How to Make Shrimp Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create a perfect shrimp tomato pasta dish:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat while your pasta cooks. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they soften. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir gently to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to make the sauce creamy and well-coated.
5. Serve: Plate your shrimp tomato pasta, sprinkle with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Shrimp Tomato Pasta Variation

While the classic shrimp tomato pasta recipe is delightful, you can switch things up with a few variations. Here are some ideas:

• Spicy Shrimp Tomato Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your dish a spicy kick.
• Creamy Shrimp Tomato Pasta: Add a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce for a richer texture.
• Pesto Shrimp Tomato Pasta: Mix some basil pesto with the tomato sauce for a herby twist.
• Garlic Shrimp Tomato Pasta: Increase the garlic content for a stronger flavor profile.

How to Serve Shrimp Tomato Pasta

Shrimp tomato pasta is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few serving ideas:

Classic Serving: Serve the pasta in a large bowl or plate, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Pair with a Salad: A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta and provides a refreshing balance.

Add Some Bread: Serve with garlic or crusty bread to remove any leftover sauce.

Pair with Wine: A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs wonderfully with shrimp and tomato pasta.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover shrimp tomato pasta, here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigeration: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Freezing: If you want to keep the pasta for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.

FAQs About Shrimp Tomato Pasta