Go Back
- 8 ounces spaghetti - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Gathering your ingredients is a key step for cooking. You want fresh and high-quality items for the best taste. Start with the spaghetti. Use a good brand. This will give your dish the right texture. Next, choose large shrimp. They should be fresh, peeled, and deveined. This makes cooking fast and easy. Olive oil is important. It brings flavor and helps cook the shrimp. Garlic adds a nice aroma and taste. Use fresh cloves if you can. Crushed tomatoes provide a rich base for our sauce. Heavy cream is what makes it creamy and smooth. For seasoning, dried basil gives a nice herbal note. Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Always season with salt and pepper to your taste. Lastly, Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. Fresh parsley makes your dish look pretty and adds freshness. Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to bring everything together! 1. Boil salted water: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring this water to a boil. 2. Cook pasta until al dente: Add 8 ounces of spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. 3. Reserve pasta water and drain: Before draining, save about half a cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. After this, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. 4. Heat olive oil in a skillet: In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. 5. Sauté garlic until fragrant: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells great. 6. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque: Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once done, take them out of the skillet and set them aside. 7. Add crushed tomatoes and cream to skillet: In the same skillet, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of heavy cream. This will form the creamy sauce. 8. Stir and simmer for sauce thickness: Stir the mixture well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. 9. Combine shrimp and spaghetti, adjust sauce consistency: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained spaghetti next. Toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. This method ensures a delicious dish that blends flavors perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Ensure pasta is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooking makes it mushy. - Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Fresh shrimp tastes sweet and tender. Frozen shrimp can work too if fresh is not available. - Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. This can brighten the dish. - Drizzling with olive oil before serving adds richness. It also gives a nice shine to the dish. - Serve the pasta in deep bowls for a cozy feel. This can make the dish look inviting. - To garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. A grating of extra Parmesan can also enhance the look. - A drizzle of olive oil on the top adds elegance. It makes your dish look restaurant-ready. For more cooking insights, don't forget to check the Full Recipe! {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp with other proteins. Chicken is a great choice. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it until it's no longer pink. Tofu is also a good option. Use firm tofu and sauté it until golden. Both options offer tasty variations. If you want more seafood, try scallops or crab. They add a unique flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times for each protein type. This keeps your dish safe and tasty. Want to jazz up the sauce? Try a vodka sauce instead! It has a rich and creamy texture. Simply replace the cream with vodka, then add crushed tomatoes and seasonings. This change brings a whole new taste to your meal. You can also add veggies for a healthy twist. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work well. Just sauté them with garlic before adding the sauce. This adds color and flavor, making your dish even better. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free spaghetti. Many brands offer tasty alternatives made from rice or quinoa. They cook just like regular pasta, so you won’t miss a beat. For those who want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream. These alternatives keep your sauce rich and creamy without dairy. You can enjoy this dish while sticking to your diet. Explore these variations for a fun twist on spaghetti with shrimp in creamy tomato sauce. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! To keep your spaghetti with shrimp fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Ensure the container seals tightly to keep moisture in. Place the container in the fridge. Use leftovers within three days for the best taste. When reheating, use a skillet for the best results. Heat the skillet over medium-low. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. This prevents the sauce from drying out. Stir gently as it warms. Heat until everything is hot, but avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze your dish, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little cream or water for moisture. This storage info will help you enjoy your spaghetti with shrimp in creamy tomato sauce later! For the full recipe, check the previous section. The best way to cook shrimp is quick and hot. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. Then, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. You know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make shrimp tough, so keep an eye on them. Perfect shrimp should be juicy and tender. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes! Canned tomatoes are often picked at peak ripeness. They pack a lot of flavor and save time. They also have a smooth texture, perfect for sauces. Canned tomatoes come ready to use, so you skip the chopping. This makes them very convenient for busy cooks. Just choose quality brands for the best taste. You’ll find they work great in this creamy sauce. To spice up your dish, consider adding red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch and taste as you go. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers for a bold kick. Another option is a dash of hot sauce, which gives flavor and heat. Just make sure not to overpower the creamy tomato sauce. Balance is key, so add spices gradually. Feel free to adjust the heat to your liking! This blog post covered the main ingredients and step-by-step instructions for a delicious shrimp pasta dish. You learned about cooking tips, flavor enhancements, and variations to suit your tastes. In summary, cooking this meal is simple and fun. You can customize it as you like. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your creations! Cooking should be enjoyable, and this dish is sure to impress.

Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Elevate your dinner with this delightful Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp blend with rich, creamy flavors and fresh ingredients for a pasta dish that's both easy and impressive. Ideal for special occasions or quick weeknight meals, this recipe will make your mealtime memorable.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 ounces spaghetti

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Add Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

        Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, and sugar. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and mix until slightly melted.

              Serve: Remove from heat, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, adding extra Parmesan and a sprig of parsley on top for elegance. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the final presentation.