Description
This Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal combining tender shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil tossed with spaghetti in a rich buttery garlic sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors that will satisfy your pasta cravings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Protein & Herbs
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and tails removed
- 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional Garnish
- Extra fresh basil leaves
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: While the pasta cooks, heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add butter and allow it to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is lightly golden.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Add the broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
- Cook the shrimp: Submerge the shrimp into the sauce, making sure they are coated. Simmer the shrimp until they turn opaque and pink, about 3-4 minutes, flipping them once halfway through for even cooking.
- Toss pasta with sauce and basil: Add the cooked spaghetti and chopped fresh basil directly into the pan with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese if desired for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it lighter.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
- Parmesan garnish is optional but adds a nice umami touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
