Irresistible Shrimp and Pasta Recipe for a Quick Dinner

There’s something magical about the combination of shrimp and pasta that can transform a mundane weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration. Picture this: tender pasta twirling around plump, juicy shrimp, all mingling in a luscious sauce that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance. The aroma fills your kitchen, promising an explosion of flavors with every bite. You can almost hear your family’s stomachs grumbling in anticipation as you prepare to serve this delightful meal.

I remember the first time I made shrimp and pasta for my friends during a casual gathering. We laughed, sipped wine, and marveled at how such simple ingredients created a dish that felt indulgent yet comforting. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at dinner parties. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it has earned its place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many food lovers.

It was a hit at our potluck last month; everyone wanted the recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti or Linguine: Choose your favorite pasta shape; both work beautifully to hold onto the sauce.

• Raw Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor; fresh or frozen works well.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Look for ripe tomatoes; their sweetness enhances the sauce’s overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over cooked pasta and shrimp.

• Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil adds brightness and fragrance; it makes everything feel gourmet.

• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up flavors and balances richness beautifully.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish that perfectly complements the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Toss in shrimp and cook until they turn pink.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook until tomatoes begin to burst, releasing their juices.

Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with shrimp and tomatoes. Pour in reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.

Add Fresh Ingredients**: Remove from heat and mix in chopped basil and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Toss everything together for an even distribution of flavors.

Serve with Parmesan**: Plate your delightful shrimp and pasta creation, garnishing generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving warm.

With these steps completed, your kitchen will be filled with delicious aromas that invite everyone to gather around the table! Enjoy this wonderful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire!

You Must Know

• Shrimp and pasta create a delightful combination that’s quick to prepare
• Fresh ingredients shine through, making each bite a burst of flavor
• Don’t forget the herbs; they elevate your dish from ordinary to extraordinary!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta first, then sauté the shrimp while waiting. Combine everything with sauce for a seamless experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach for a nutrition boost. Experiment with spices to find your favorite flavor combination.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on low in a skillet for best results without overcooking.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• When cooking shrimp, avoid overcooking by removing them from heat as soon as they turn pink
• For extra flavor, marinate shrimp beforehand with garlic and lemon juice
• Always reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later on

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with laughter and aromas that lingered long after dinner was served.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti or linguine are ideal choices that hold the sauce beautifully.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick.

Print

Shrimp and Pasta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delightful, quick-to-make dish that marries tender pasta with succulent shrimp in a rich, savory sauce. This meal is perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. With fresh ingredients like garlic, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, every bite bursts with flavor. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan for an indulgent touch.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb raw large shrimp, deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add shrimp and cook until pink (3-4 minutes).
3. Stir in cherry tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until tomatoes begin to burst (3-5 minutes).
4. Add drained pasta to the skillet, mixing well. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
5. Remove from heat; mix in chopped basil and lemon juice. Serve garnished with grated Parmesan.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 220mg