Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen! Our "Burst Cherry Tomato Rotini with Shrimp" is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that combines the sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes with succulent shrimp, all tossed in perfectly cooked rotini pasta. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next dinner party. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rotini pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, gently pressing some tomatoes to release their juices and create a light sauce.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the tomato mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet with shrimp and tomatoes. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the rotini. Remember to reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce later on!
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cherry tomatoes and basil for the best flavor. If you can, visit a local farmers' market to pick up the freshest produce.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. They are done when they turn pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and color. You can also substitute the shrimp with chicken or a plant-based protein for a different twist.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra chopped basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving can elevate the presentation and flavor of your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 220mg
