Quick Shrimp Pasta with Tomato-Herb Sauce 🍝🍤

This delightful dish combines the succulent flavors of shrimp with a zesty tomato-herb sauce, creating a meal that's both quick and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party, this pasta is ready in under 30 minutes! You can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or add extra veggies for a heartier dish.

Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience! 🍷🥗

Ingredients

For the pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the sauce

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

💧 Salting the water enhances the flavor of the pasta, making every bite more delicious!

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

🔥 Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

• Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.

🍅 You can add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of sugar to enhance the sauce’s flavor if you like!

• Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, mixing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

🧀 For a creamier sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream just before serving!

Variations

• Vegetable boost: Add in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy kick: Swap out the red pepper flakes for a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to heat things up!
• Lemon zest: Add the zest of half a lemon to the sauce for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten allergies.

With this quick and easy shrimp pasta recipe, you’ll have a scrumptious dinner on the table in no time! Enjoy! 😋🍽️