This Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish! With juicy tomatoes bursting in every bite and succulent shrimp, it’s a flavor explosion on your plate that everyone will love.
I can’t get enough of the mix of spice and garlic in this dish! Pair it with a simple salad, and you’ve got dinner sorted in no time. Who knew weeknight meals could be so fancy?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine work best, but you can swap for any long pasta you have on hand. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option if you’re avoiding gluten!
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for best results! If you’re allergic or don’t like shrimp, try chicken breast or tofu as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and burst beautifully. If out of season, canned diced tomatoes can work, just drain them before adding. You will lose some burst effect but the flavor will still be good!
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust these to your taste preference. If you prefer less heat, start with a pinch and add more later. You can also use a dash of hot sauce as a substitute.
White Wine: While it elevates the dish, you can easily use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. If you want to keep it alcohol-free, broth is perfect!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp beautifully can be tricky! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough. This helps the shrimp sear nicely.
- Season the shrimp before cooking to elevate the flavor.
- Cook them just until they turn pink—overcooking makes them tough. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Always remove them from the skillet when done to prevent them from continuing to cook in the heat.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp every time for your pasta!
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta With Burst Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine pasta
For The Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For The Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta, followed by an easy 15 minutes for sautéing the shrimp and tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Sautéing the Garlic and Shrimp:
While your pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Now, add the shrimp to the skillet, season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Creating the Burst Tomato Sauce:
In the same skillet, toss in the cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, mashing some gently with the back of a spoon to create that wonderful burst effect, releasing their sweet juices into the pan. It should smell amazing!
4. Simmering the Sauce:
Next, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful. This will add a nice depth to the sauce!
5. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomatoes. If you’re using butter for that extra richness, add it in now, along with the fresh lemon juice. Yum!
6. Finishing Touches:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together gently. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serving It Up:
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness. Serve immediately, and don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese if you want that extra cheesy touch!
Enjoy your meal! It’s certain to be a hit!
FAQ for Spicy Garlic Shrimp Pasta With Burst Tomatoes
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No worries! You can easily substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth. This will still give you a delicious flavor without the alcohol.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you’re looking to dial back the heat, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes you use or omit them entirely. You can also serve it with a side of creamy sauce or cheese to balance the spice!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce, add freshly cooked pasta, and combine!
