Spicy Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Tomato Cream Sauce
Italian-style pasta with spicy shrimp smothered in a homemade garlic tomato cream sauce. Easy shrimp pasta recipe that you can make at home anytime with easy ingredients!
Italian-style pasta with spicy shrimp smothered in a homemade garlic tomato cream sauce. Easy shrimp pasta recipe that you can make at home anytime with easy ingredients!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cloves (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 pound shrimp (without shells and deveined)
- 1/2 cube chicken bullion ((i used knorr))
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- 8 oz penne pasta ((for gluten free version use brown rice penne))
- Carbohydrate 8.72815854221328 g
- Cholesterol 20.3787500259664 mg
- Fat 7.54353146607414 g
- Fiber 2.21409164291454 g
- Protein 2.18551187540972 g
- Saturated Fat 3.71042040029893 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (319g)
- Sodium 154.212208341078 mg
- Sugar 6.51406689929874 g
- Trans Fat 0.428959958715386 g
- Calories 103 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook on one side for about 1 minute, until shrimp turns pink on that side.
- While it cooks, sprinkle the top of shrimp with crushed red pepper, paprika, and salt to cover every single shrimp.
- Make sure not to crowd the shrimp in the skillet; otherwise, moisture will form and shrimp won't sear right. And, don't skimp on spices.
- Using a spatula, turn shrimp over to the other side and cook for about 2 more minutes.
- Remove shrimp to a plate, being careful to leave all the oil in the skillet.
- To the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook on medium-high heat in the olive oil that will have a nice reddish color from paprika and crushed red pepper.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, occasionally stirring, until onions soften.
- Add crushed tomatoes and chicken bullion cube dissolved in 1/4 cup boiling water.
- Add basil and oregano, mix, bring to a boil, and reduce to simmer.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, mixing occasionally and crushing all tomatoes into very small bites, until the sauce reduces just a bit.
- Season with more red pepper and salt, if needed.
- In the end, while on simmer, add heavy cream, mix it in, and immediately remove from heat.
- In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain.
- Add back the cooked shrimp and cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Mix everything well to combine.
- Reheat on low simmer, if needed. Do not bring to a boil or high heat as it might affect the sauce texture.
- Add more salt and pepper if necessary.
- When serving, I like to sprinkle the top of pasta with just a touch of crushed red pepper.
My Easy Weeknight Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and trying to maintain some semblance of order at home, finding time for a delicious and satisfying meal often feels like a luxury. But honestly, a good meal shouldn't feel like a chore! That’s why I’ve developed a go-to recipe that's quick, easy, and absolutely bursting with flavour: my Spicy Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Tomato Cream Sauce.
This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a lifesaver. On those evenings when I’m completely drained, knowing I can whip up this pasta dish in under 30 minutes is incredibly reassuring. The best part? It tastes like it took hours to prepare. The spicy kick from the red pepper flakes adds a delightful zest, perfectly balanced by the creamy richness of the tomato sauce and the succulent shrimp. It's a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters (including my kids!).
The magic of simplicity
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. I often adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand. Sometimes, I’ll throw in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor. Other times, I might swap the penne for linguine or spaghetti. The beauty of it is, it always tastes amazing! It’s a perfect example of how a simple recipe, executed well, can be truly extraordinary.
More than just a meal
For me, cooking isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about creating memories. The aroma of garlic and tomatoes simmering on the stove fills my kitchen with warmth, creating a comforting atmosphere after a long day. The act of preparing this meal, even amidst the chaos of my busy schedule, is a small act of self-care, a moment to de-stress and connect with myself and my family before we gather around the table for dinner.
Beyond the recipe
This recipe transcends the simple act of cooking; it represents a commitment to nourishing my family and myself. It's a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of daily life, taking the time to prepare a delicious, healthy meal is an investment in well-being and happiness. And let's be honest, who doesn't deserve a little happiness after a long day?
So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember this recipe. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious and satisfying meals don't have to be complicated. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there's always time for a little bit of joy, a little bit of flavor, and a whole lot of love.
Beyond the Kitchen: Simple Pleasures
The same principles of simplicity and efficient use of time that I apply to my cooking also apply to other areas of my life. I’m a big believer in maximizing my time. This isn’t about rushing through life, but rather about being intentional with how I spend my time so I can truly savor each moment. For example, I often take a few minutes each morning to meditate or enjoy a cup of tea before the day's craziness begins. These small moments of peace and quiet allow me to start my day with a sense of calm and focus.
Another important aspect of my approach is balance. I strive to maintain a healthy balance between my professional life, my family life, and my personal well-being. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential for maintaining my energy levels and preventing burnout. I make sure to schedule time for activities I enjoy, like spending time with my loved ones, reading a good book, or taking a walk in nature. These activities rejuvenate me and help me stay grounded.
The power of planning
Planning is another key element of my approach to managing my time and energy efficiently. I use a planner to track appointments, deadlines, and activities. I also create a weekly meal plan to ensure that I have healthy and delicious meals ready for my family each night. This preparation saves me a lot of time and energy during the week. Prepping some ingredients on the weekend also allows for a quicker weeknight meal.
Ultimately, my philosophy is about finding simple ways to live a more fulfilling life. It’s about focusing on what truly matters—family, health, and happiness—and finding joy in the everyday moments.
So, if you're ever feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, remember the simplicity of this recipe and the power of a well-planned approach. You deserve moments of calm and delicious food, too.
