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Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Garlic

Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Garlic

Spicy Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Garlic is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, all tossed with al dente pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, nutritious, and impressive meal with a balanced blend of spice, sweetness, and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Vegetables

  • 12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Pasta and Seasonings

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the garlic. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta. Preparing everything beforehand ensures smooth cooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Add spaghetti or linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to help create a silky sauce later.
  3. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned. Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking until tomatoes soften and release juices, forming a vibrant, flavorful sauce.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with shrimp and tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat each strand smoothly.
  6. Finish with Freshness: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Toss once more and serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
  • Reserve pasta water to naturally adjust sauce consistency.
  • Add red pepper flakes gradually to control spice level.
  • Serve immediately to avoid soggy pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta, garlic pasta, tomato pasta, quick seafood pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe