Garlic Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti: Quick & Delicious Recipe

Looking for a delicious and quick dinner idea? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Spaghetti with Garlic Tomato Shrimp. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors, featuring tender shrimp, garlicky tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all in one bite. It’s a meal that looks and tastes impressive but comes together in just twenty minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy date nights at home.

The secret to this recipe is in the details—cooking the shrimp quickly to keep them tender, using starchy pasta water to help the sauce cling to every noodle, and balancing the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sugar. The combination of shrimp, garlic, and tomatoes creates a vibrant and appetizing dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to impress your guests with minimal effort, this Spaghetti with Garlic Tomato Shrimp is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. So grab a fork and twirl into a bowl of this delectable pasta—you won’t be disappointed!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy dinner option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests without spending hours in the kitchen
• Utilizes pantry staples and frozen shrimp, making it feasible even when fresh ingredients are limited
• Starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles, creating restaurant-quality pasta at home
• Balances acidity in the tomato sauce with a touch of sugar for a more rounded and complete flavor profile

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti: Quick & Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties, this dish comes together in just twenty minutes, making it a convenient go-to meal.
• Restaurant-Quality: Impress your guests or family with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant, but without the hefty price tag.
• Flavorful and Balanced: The combination of tender shrimp, garlicky tomato sauce, and al dente spaghetti creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing.
• Tips for Success: The recipe includes helpful tips such as drying the shrimp before cooking, reserving pasta water for a creamy sauce, and timing the garlic sauté to perfection, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily scale up the recipe for larger gatherings, or customize it with additional spices or ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• Seasonal Appeal: While suitable for year-round enjoyment, this dish shines during the summer with the use of fresh tomatoes and light, flavorful components that are perfect for warm weather dining.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy leftovers for up to two days by gently reheating to maintain the flavors and textures, making it a great option for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients for Garlic Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti: Quick & Delicious Recipe

For the Pasta

• Salt for the pasta water
• 250g spaghetti

For the Shrimp Sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned works)
• 300g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp butter (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp sugar (if your tomatoes are too acidic)

How to Make Garlic Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti: Quick & Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain spaghetti.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add shrimp, season with salt and paprika, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black pepper, paprika, salt, and a teaspoon of sugar if needed.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Add a splash of reserved pasta water and simmer mixture, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Optionally, incorporate butter for added richness.

Step 6: Add Shrimp and Serve

Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan with the pasta, gently mix, and plate while hot. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper.

Storage Tips

Once the Spaghetti with Garlic Tomato Shrimp is cooked and ready to serve, any leftovers should be stored properly to maintain their freshness. Leftover shrimp pasta can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. However, note that the shrimp may continue to cook slightly as it sits, so it won’t be as tender as when freshly made. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave for about a minute, stirring halfway through. Avoid reheating too aggressively to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and tough. It’s advised not to freeze this dish as shrimp tends to lose its texture and become mushy when frozen and thawed in cooked dishes.

If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time, the sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply cook fresh shrimp and pasta to ensure a better overall texture. This strategy allows you to enjoy the flavors of the dish without compromising on the quality of the shrimp or sauce. Storing the components separately until ready to assemble and serve can help maintain the integrity of the dish and ensure a delicious dining experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those who prefer not to cook with shrimp, this recipe can easily be adapted to use other proteins such as chicken or tofu. Simply substitute an equal amount of diced chicken breast or firm tofu for the shrimp, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Both options will absorb the flavors of the garlic tomato sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying alternative for those who don’t eat seafood.

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of this dish, consider adding in additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to bulk up the dish and add more texture and flavor. These veggies can be sautéed along with the garlic or added to the tomato sauce to create a heartier vegetarian meal. Feel free to get creative with the vegetable additions based on your preferences and what you have on hand in your kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the garlic tomato shrimp spaghetti in individual cast iron skillets or mini cocottes for a rustic and charming presentation. The individual portions not only look adorable but also keep the dish hot and sizzling until the very last bite, adding an extra touch of warmth and comfort to the dining experience. Garnish each skillet with a sprig of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.

Another creative idea is to serve the shrimp spaghetti inside hollowed-out Parmesan cheese wheels. Simply melt the cheese slightly in the oven to soften it, then scoop out some of the cheese to create a bowl-like shape. Fill the Parmesan bowls with the garlic tomato shrimp spaghetti, allowing the flavors to meld with the rich and nutty notes of the cheese. This unique presentation adds a gourmet touch to the dish and allows guests to scoop up bits of the cheesy bowl along with their pasta for an indulgent and memorable dining experience.

FAQs for Garlic Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti: Quick & Delicious Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works great for this dish, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or fusilli would work well with the garlic tomato shrimp sauce.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque when cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long.

Can I skip the sugar in the tomato sauce?

While the sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, you can omit it if you prefer. Taste the sauce before adding the sugar and adjust according to your preference. Keep in mind that the sugar helps round out the flavors of the sauce.

What can I serve as a side dish with this garlic tomato shrimp spaghetti?

A simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette and some crusty bread are great options to serve alongside this dish. The salad adds a refreshing contrast to the pasta, and the bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spaghetti with Garlic Tomato Shrimp is a versatile and impressive dish that can elevate your weeknight dinners or special gatherings with minimal effort. The combination of succulent shrimp, flavorful garlic, and vibrant tomato sauce creates a deliciously satisfying meal that tastes like a restaurant-quality indulgence. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe is a game-changer for those craving a flavorful and wholesome pasta dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Don’t be intimidated by cooking seafood at home – this recipe proves that with a few tips and tricks, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with loved ones, Spaghetti with Garlic Tomato Shrimp is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. So grab a pan, boil some spaghetti, and get ready to savor the delightful flavors of tender shrimp and aromatic garlic tomato sauce in every forkful. Enjoy this delightful dish and the joy it brings to your table!

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti: Quick & Delicious Recipe

“Restaurant-quality Spaghetti with Garlic Tomato Shrimp in 20 minutes—tender shrimp, garlicky tomato sauce, and al dente noodles for a quick, impressive meal.”

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Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings3 Servings

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• Salt for the pasta water
• 250g spaghetti

For the Shrimp Sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned works)
• 300g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp butter (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp sugar (if your tomatoes are too acidic)

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain spaghetti.
2. Sear the Shrimp: In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add shrimp, season with salt and paprika, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside on a plate.
3. Build the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black pepper, paprika, salt, and a teaspoon of sugar if needed.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Add a splash of reserved pasta water and simmer mixture, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
5. Toss the Pasta: Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Optionally, incorporate butter for added richness.
6. Add Shrimp and Serve: Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan with the pasta, gently mix, and plate while hot. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper.