Spaghetti with Shrimp in a Creamy Tomato Sauce

This delicious shrimp pasta recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich and creamy tomato sauce that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients like spaghetti, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of white wine, this flavorful dish is elevated by the creamy texture and savory notes of butter and heavy cream. Whether you’re looking for an elegant meal to impress guests or a quick seafood pasta recipe for dinner, this creamy shrimp pasta will satisfy your cravings for a comforting shrimp dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3/4 lb spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 6 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 small onion or 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp hot chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp dried basil or 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup dry white wine (avoid sweet wines)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Peel the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add diced tomatoes, onion, chili flakes, basil, garlic, and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the white wine and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture softens and most of the wine evaporates, leaving about 1/4 cup of liquid.
3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the heavy cream and add the cooked shrimp. Gently heat for 2 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Toss the pasta with the creamy shrimp sauce, and serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy spaghetti with shrimp is a perfect balance of rich flavors and fresh ingredients. The savory shrimp pairs wonderfully with a velvety, tomato-based cream sauce, while the hint of heat from the chili flakes and the aromatic basil elevate the dish. It’s quick, easy, and makes for a comforting, elegant meal that’s sure to impress.

Tips

• Make sure to use dry white wine to prevent the sauce from becoming too sweet.
• For a quicker prep, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just be sure to add them at the end to warm through without overcooking.
• Be mindful of the pasta’s doneness – overcooking it will affect the overall texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

• For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
• Swap the shrimp for chicken or scallops for a different flavor profile.
• If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh diced chili peppers.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

Can I make this dish in advance?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, then toss with freshly cooked pasta and shrimp.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta will work, though spaghetti or angel hair are ideal for this dish.

Serving

Serve this dish with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements it perfectly.

Suggestions

For extra flavor, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. If you want to boost the creamy texture, consider adding a bit more butter or cream.