why make this recipe
Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients with rich flavors. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, while the shrimp adds a touch of elegance. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal—meaning fewer dishes to clean up afterwards! Not only is this dish tasty and satisfying, but it’s also a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet.
how to make Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Making Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is easy, even for beginners. The steps are simple and the ingredients are straightforward. Just follow the recipe below, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Directions :
Cook the pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water for flavor. Once cooked, drain it and set aside.
Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. It should be hot but not smoking.
Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
Add tomatoes: Next, add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help release their juices and create a nice base for the sauce.
Pour in the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You want to see some bubbles but not a rolling boil.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Combine with pasta: Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in the drained pasta and the chopped fresh basil. Mix everything well to combine.
Season: Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Serve: Serve the dish hot, and it will be wonderfully creamy and flavorful. Optionally, pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to serve Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
This dish is best served hot right after cooking. You can plate it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation or serve it family-style from a large bowl. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top before serving adds a nice touch of color and flavor. Pair the pasta with a simple side salad to balance the richness or some warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A glass of crisp white wine can also complement this dish beautifully.
how to store Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or water to loosen the sauce, as it might thicken in the fridge. Heat over low heat in a skillet or microwave until warm throughout. Avoid reheating more than once, as that can affect the shrimp’s texture.
tips to make Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Selecting shrimp: Choose fresh or frozen shrimp, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water to thaw quickly.
Quality ingredients: Use high-quality heavy cream and fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can find freshly picked basil, it makes a significant difference.
Don’t overcook: Watch the shrimp closely while cooking. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so as soon as they turn pink, they are done.
Customize your pasta: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the type.
Add veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the garlic at the beginning.
variation
While this recipe for Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is delightful as is, you can easily adapt it to your tastes. Here are a few variations to consider:
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a little heat.
Lemon zest: Incorporate some lemon zest into the sauce for a bright and fresh flavor.
Meat alternative: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with grilled chicken or even a mix of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Cheesy twist: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra creamy and cheesy flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta and shrimp fresh when you are ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
It is not ideal to freeze this dish, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
3. What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta works well, but longer pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine are traditional. Choose what you love, as the sauce will coat any pasta beautifully.
4. What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil instead, but the flavor may not be as vibrant. Use about 1 teaspoon for the substitution.
5. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a lighter cream, but the sauce will not be as rich and creamy. For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt, but add it at the end off the heat to prevent curdling.
By following this simple recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta that’s sure to impress family and friends at the dinner table! Enjoy!
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Shrimp and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A delightful one-pan dish with shrimp and a rich creamy tomato basil sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, salting the water for flavor. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes to release their juices.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the drained pasta and chopped basil, mixing everything well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh basil.
Notes
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg