Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta: A Burst of Summer Flavors!

This Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta is a celebration of summer! Ripe, juicy tomatoes, succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil come together in a light and flavorful sauce that coats perfectly al dente pasta. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* Fresh and Flavorful: Uses peak-season tomatoes for the most vibrant taste.
* Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
* Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.
* Versatile: Easily customizable with different types of pasta, shrimp sizes, or additions like chili flakes for a touch of heat.
* Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both adults and children.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fettuccine all work well). I personally prefer linguine for this dish as it holds the sauce beautifully.
* Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed). Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before cooking.
* Fresh Tomatoes: 2 pounds of ripe, juicy tomatoes, chopped. Roma, San Marzano, or heirloom tomatoes are excellent choices.
* Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is crucial for the best flavor.
* Olive Oil: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. Use good quality olive oil for the best taste.
* Dry White Wine: 1/2 cup (optional). Adds a layer of complexity to the sauce. You can substitute with chicken broth if you prefer.
* Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped. Adds a fresh, aromatic touch. Save some for garnish.
* Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a little heat.
* Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors.
* Parmesan Cheese: For serving (optional). Adds a salty, savory finish.
* Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
* Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (optional). Adds another layer of freshness and color.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Garlic press (optional)
* Colander

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt the water generously; it should taste like the sea. This is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” – the pasta should be firm but not crunchy. Typically, this is about 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help to create a creamy sauce and bind the pasta and sauce together.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Ensure the shrimp is peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will sear better and not steam in the pan.
2. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer and be hot but not smoking.
3. Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
4. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery. They should curl into a nice “C” shape.
5. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep it moving in the pan.
2. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
3. If using, pour in the dry white wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to slightly reduce. The wine adds depth, but you can skip this step and add chicken broth instead.
4. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the pasta and shrimp will also add salt to the dish, so don’t over-season at this stage.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh basil. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and the basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch. Reserve some basil for garnish.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
2. Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Gently toss to combine. Make sure the shrimp is heated through.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). A sprinkle of fresh parsley also adds a nice touch.

Tips and Variations

* Use high-quality tomatoes: The flavor of this dish relies heavily on the quality of the tomatoes. Use ripe, juicy, and flavorful tomatoes for the best results. If tomatoes are not in season, consider using canned San Marzano tomatoes as a substitute. Drain them well before chopping.
* Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and unpleasant. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque.
* Adjust the heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes to adjust the heat level to your liking. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté them along with the garlic.
* Use different types of seafood: You can substitute the shrimp with other types of seafood, such as scallops, mussels, or clams. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Make it creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end.
* Add pesto: A spoonful of pesto adds a delicious herbaceous flavor to the dish. Stir it in just before serving.
* Make it vegetarian: Omit the shrimp for a delicious vegetarian pasta dish. Add some roasted vegetables or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
* Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
* Prep ahead: You can chop the vegetables and prepare the shrimp ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* Spice it up: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes adds a welcome kick.
* Add a squeeze of lemon or lime: Brighten the flavors with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice before serving.
* Consider adding other herbs: Thyme, oregano, or rosemary can add depth to the tomato sauce. Use them sparingly, as they can overpower the delicate flavor of the tomatoes.
* Don’t forget the pasta water: The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Don’t skip this step!

Serving Suggestions

This Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

* Garlic bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* Salad: A simple green salad or a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is a refreshing complement to the pasta.
* Roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* Grilled vegetables: Grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers add a smoky flavor to the meal.

Storage Instructions

* Refrigerate: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* Freeze: While it’s best eaten fresh, you *can* freeze this dish. The pasta might become a bit softer after thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the shrimp may change slightly after freezing.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This recipe offers a delightful, healthy, and quick meal. Enjoy!

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 35 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite)
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional) or chicken broth
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. **Prepare the shrimp:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. **Make the sauce:** Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped tomatoes, white wine (or broth), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. **Combine:** Stir in lemon juice and basil. Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce and toss to combine. Add pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese (if using).

Enjoy your delicious Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta!