Description
Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Garlic is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp, fresh cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. This balanced, nutritious meal is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, offering versatility and minimal cleanup with its one-pot cooking style.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh Herbs & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Optional Add-ins
- Splash of heavy cream or coconut milk (for creamy version)
- Optional vegetables: spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp if necessary. Mince the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop fresh herbs to have everything ready for smooth cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Spice: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and create a vibrant, slightly chunky sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the dish for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Remove shrimp from heat as soon as it turns pink to avoid toughness.
- Reserve pasta water to perfectly bind sauce and pasta.
- Season gradually with salt and pepper to develop balanced flavors.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level according to your preference.
- For storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze shrimp and sauce separately for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before use.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of oil or water to restore creaminess and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg
Keywords: spicy shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta, garlic pasta, tomato shrimp pasta, quick shrimp dinner, one-pot pasta, easy seafood pasta
