This lovely shrimp pasta features juicy tomatoes and fresh basil, making it a perfect quick dinner. You’ll enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
Cooking this dish is a breeze! Just toss everything in one pan, and in no time, you’ve got a meal that’s light, tasty, and sure to impress. I love serving it with some garlic bread on the side! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti is a classic choice, but you can swap it with any pasta like penne or fettuccine. Gluten-free pasta works, too, if you prefer that option!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is fantastic, but frozen peeled shrimp is super convenient. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking. You can also use chicken or tofu if seafood isn’t your thing.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness. If they’re not in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. Just make sure to drain them well.
Basil: Fresh basil brightens the dish. If you don’t have it, try using a teaspoon of dried basil, but fresh always gives the best flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be quick, but it’s easy to overdo it! Here’s how to get perfectly tender shrimp:
- First, heat the olive oil in the skillet until it’s warm but not smoking – this helps the shrimp cook evenly.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They turn pink and opaque when done, so watch for that color change!
- Remove the shrimp as soon as they’re cooked to avoid getting tough.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious shrimp pasta in no time! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Easy Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, from start to finish. Most of the time is spent cooking the pasta and shrimp, making it a quick option for dinner! Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until it’s fragrant but not browned. Watch closely, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Prepare the Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to combine. If the mixture seems a bit dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the chopped basil, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing everything until well combined. Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve:
Your Easy Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta is ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately and sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves on top for that finishing touch. Dig in and savor every delicious bite!
FAQ About Easy Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp beforehand. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and run them under cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture when cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No worries! You can substitute with dried basil, using about 1 teaspoon for this recipe. While fresh basil adds vibrant flavor, dried basil will still work in a pinch. Just add it earlier in the cooking process to allow it to rehydrate.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Make sure to check that your other ingredients, like the Parmesan cheese, are also gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or a little olive oil to help loosen the sauce. Enjoy your delicious pasta again!
