Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that packs a punch? Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with our Spicy Shrimp Pasta Sauce that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. This quick and easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with a zesty tomato sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta for a meal that's ready in just 30 minutes! Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just craving something delicious, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to savor every bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of choice
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water for seasoning the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in crushed tomatoes. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Meanwhile, add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Simmer the tomato sauce for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce and gently stir to reheat and coat with the spicy tomato mixture.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth coating.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh torn basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta works, opt for shapes like linguine or fettuccine that hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook; they only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for an extra kick!
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh basil as a garnish adds a lovely aroma and freshness.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce's consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the pasta right after mixing it with the sauce to enjoy it at its finest!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 220mg
