Spicy Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Tomato Cream Sauce
Try this Spicy Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Tomato Cream Sauce recipe
Try this Spicy Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Tomato Cream Sauce recipe
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- paprika
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- crushed red pepper
- 1 pound shrimp without shells and deveined
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- half a cube chicken bullion i used knorr
- 8 oz penne pasta (for gluten free version use brown rice penne by tinkyada)
- Carbohydrate 9.79836805054661 g
- Cholesterol 20.3787500259664 mg
- Fat 7.57429658274081 g
- Fiber 2.32214197409066 g
- Protein 2.39281172540972 g
- Saturated Fat 3.71621816696559 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (317g)
- Sodium 154.761737507745 mg
- Sugar 7.47622607645595 g
- Trans Fat 0.435656400382052 g
- Calories 108 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 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 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.
- Add back the shrimp and pasta.
- Mix everything well to combine.
- Reheat on low simmer, if needed. Do not bring to boil or high heat as it might affect the sauce texture.
- Add more salt and pepper if necessary.
- When serving, sprinkle the top of pasta with just a touch of crushed red pepper.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Spicy Shrimp Pasta
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. I need meals that are quick, delicious, and satisfying, and this Spicy Shrimp Pasta fits the bill perfectly. It's ready in under 30 minutes, and the vibrant flavors always leave my family wanting more. I discovered this recipe a few years ago while browsing a food blog (I can't remember which one, unfortunately!) and immediately knew it was a winner. The combination of spicy shrimp, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is a symphony of taste that never fails to impress, even on the most hectic evenings. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. I often adjust the spice level depending on my family's mood, sometimes adding a little extra crushed red pepper for a serious kick, other times toning it down for my younger kids. And the ingredients are easily accessible at any grocery store; no need for a special trip to a specialty market.
What I particularly love about this recipe is its adaptability. It’s easy to swap out the penne pasta for any shape you prefer – rotini, fusilli, even linguine would work wonderfully. I’ve also experimented with adding different vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or spinach, towards the end of the cooking process. And if I have leftover grilled chicken or vegetables, I'll toss them in for an extra protein boost and added nutritional value. This dish is a blank canvas, really, allowing you to express your creativity and tailor it to your personal preferences and dietary needs. The shrimp cooks quickly, which means minimal prep time and less mess to clean up afterward, always a welcome bonus on a busy weeknight.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are few and easily accessible, making it perfect for impromptu dinners or nights when you’re short on time. The process itself is streamlined, requiring minimal effort and technique, perfect for those evenings when you just need a quick yet satisfying meal. It's become a staple in our household – a go-to weeknight dinner that's always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this Spicy Shrimp Pasta offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The slight spice from the crushed red pepper complements the richness of the creamy tomato sauce, while the tender shrimp adds a delicate sweetness. The pasta provides a hearty base, and the combination of all these elements creates a truly satisfying and memorable dining experience. The vivid colors are also visually appealing, making this dish perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a lovely meal with your family. It’s a recipe I’ll continue to make for years to come, a testament to its simple perfection and the joy it brings to my kitchen.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite, I highly recommend giving this Spicy Shrimp Pasta a try. You won’t be disappointed!
