Shrimp Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce

 

Hey there, food lovers! Are you craving something quick, flavorful, and utterly satisfying that feels like it took hours to make, but comes together in a flash? Then you’ve hit the jackpot! This Shrimp Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce recipe is pure magic. It’s light, vibrant, and bursting with fresh flavours – perfect for a cosy weeknight dinner or even when you want to impress without the stress.

Servings & TimeYields: 2 generous servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25-30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 200g (about 7 oz) pasta of your choice (linguine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle work wonderfully!)
• Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce & Shrimp 

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
• 250g (about 9 oz) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off, your call!)
• 1 can (400g / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or even pasta water!)
• A generous handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional but recommended!): Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• More fresh basil leaves

Instructions

• Get Your Pasta Going: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (this means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy!). Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water – it’s liquid gold for our sauce!
• Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Shrimp Time! Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get rubbery! Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
• Build the Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes and broth into the same skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water!
• Bring it All Together: Add most of the fresh basil into the sauce, along with the cooked shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
• Combine and Serve: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated.
• Garnish & Enjoy! Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with more fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and prepare for happy sighs!

Chef’s Notes & Tips:

• Quality matters: Using good-quality crushed tomatoes makes a difference in the sauce.
• Don’t skip the pasta water: It helps emulsify the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
• Experiment! Feel free to add a splash of white wine to the sauce after the garlic, or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra brightness.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Italian-inspired feast!