Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Garlic Shrimp: A Quick Weeknight Meal
Imagine tender pasta bathed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, brightened with fresh basil and the subtle tang of garlic. This Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Garlic Shrimp offers a comforting yet sophisticated dining experience. Succulent shrimp, infused with fragrant garlic, adds a delightful protein boost to this easy-to-love dish, perfect for a quick weeknight indulgence or a relaxed weekend gathering. This recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into a truly satisfying meal – a perfect example of the kind of approachable recipes we love to share here at FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com.
This Pasta Recipe and Shrimp Recipe is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the aromatic basil, and the savory garlic shrimp create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. It's a perfect example of Italian Cuisine at its finest – simple, delicious, and effortlessly elegant.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | Spaghetti, Linguine, or Penne | 200g |
| Sauce | Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | |
| Red Pepper Flakes (optional) | 1/4 tsp | |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 400g | |
| Heavy Cream | 1/4 cup | |
| Parmesan Cheese, grated | 1/4 cup + more for serving | |
| Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped | 1/4 cup | |
| Protein | Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 250g |
| Seasoning | Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Add the cooked shrimp and chopped basil to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish, or use a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the shrimp and add roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to the sauce for a vegetarian option. You could also add some cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values
- Calories: Approximately 650
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fat: 25g
Serving Suggestion
Serve your delicious Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta with Garlic Shrimp with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, would pair well with this dish. Enjoy!
Keywords:
Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta, Garlic Shrimp, Quick Weeknight Meal, Pasta Recipe, Shrimp Recipe, Italian Cuisine, Tomato Sauce, Basil, Parmesan Cheese, Seafood Pasta
Hashtags:
#pasta, #shrimp, #tomato, #basil, #garlic, #italianfood, #weeknightmeal, #quickrecipe
We hope you enjoy this recipe! For more delicious and easy weeknight meals, be sure to check out our other recipes on FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com!