Indulge in a culinary escape to Italy with our delightful "Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream" recipe! Imagine succulent shrimp dancing in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, perfectly enveloping your favorite pasta—it's a dish that promises to elevate your dinner table and tantalize your taste buds. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Ready to dive into a plate of pure deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, 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 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with tomatoes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and gently toss to coat everything in the creamy tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish and give a final gentle stir.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta works, long noodles like fettuccine or linguine pair beautifully with the creamy sauce, allowing for a delightful twirl on your fork.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They should be just pink and opaque; this usually takes only 2-3 minutes per side.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. The freshness will enhance the dish and make it taste more vibrant.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess without compromising flavor.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving can elevate the dish visually and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Pair with Wine: Consider serving this dish with a chilled glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors beautifully.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 250mg