Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine with Garlic and Tomatoes: A Flavorful Seafood Pasta Delight
Craving a dish that’s both comforting and exciting? Look no further than this Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine with Garlic and Tomatoes! This recipe combines the richness of fettuccine pasta with succulent shrimp, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the sweet tanginess of tomatoes, all infused with a delightful kick of spice. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily whip up at home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also relatively quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals who still want to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of garlic, tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and shrimp creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking and add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
* **Impressive:** This dish looks and tastes impressive, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer a creamier sauce? Stir in a dollop of heavy cream at the end.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
* **Fettuccine Pasta:** 1 pound
* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined (medium to large size recommended)
* **Olive Oil:** 1/4 cup, extra virgin
* **Garlic:** 6 cloves, minced
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** 28 ounces
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
* **Fresh Basil:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For serving (optional)
**Ingredient Notes:**
* **Shrimp:** Use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, thaw them completely before cooking. Look for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time.
* **Tomatoes:** High-quality canned crushed tomatoes are key to a flavorful sauce. Look for brands that use San Marzano tomatoes for the best results. You can also use diced tomatoes, but crushed tomatoes will create a smoother sauce.
* **White Wine:** A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best. If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Fresh basil and parsley add a burst of freshness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use half the amount.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. For a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds from the red pepper flakes.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Colander
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine with Garlic and Tomatoes.
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help to create a creamy sauce.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
**Why reserve pasta water?** The pasta water is full of starch that was released from the pasta during cooking. This starchy water acts as a natural thickener and emulsifier, helping the sauce cling to the pasta and create a creamy texture.
**Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp**
1. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels. Drying the shrimp will help them to brown nicely when you cook them.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
**Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
**Tips for preventing burnt garlic:** Keep the heat at medium and stir the garlic constantly. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or remove the skillet from the heat for a few seconds.
**Step 4: Cook the Shrimp**
1. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the shrimp from browning properly. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
2. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
**How to tell if shrimp is cooked:** The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the flesh should be firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as it will become rubbery.
**Step 5: Make the Tomato Sauce**
1. Add the canned crushed tomatoes and white wine (if using) to the skillet.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
3. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
**Tips for a richer tomato sauce:** Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a more intense tomato flavor.
**Step 6: Combine Everything**
1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce.
2. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce.
3. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet.
4. Stir in the fresh basil and parsley.
5. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Add the pasta water a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
**Step 7: Serve**
1. Serve the Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine immediately.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
## Tips and Variations
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables along with the garlic and red pepper flakes.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end.
* **Use Different Seafood:** You can substitute the shrimp with other seafood, such as scallops, mussels, or clams.
* **Add Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish.
* **Use Different Pasta:** While fettuccine is the classic choice for this dish, you can also use other types of pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute the shrimp with plant-based shrimp alternatives or simply omit the shrimp altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of white wine. Ensure the parmesan cheese substitute used is vegan.
* **Make ahead:** The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta and shrimp when you’re ready to serve.
## Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine with Garlic and Tomatoes is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping in the sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Bruschetta:** Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic makes a great appetizer.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 600-700 per serving (estimated)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 70-80g
* Fat: 20-30g
**Note:** Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a little water or broth if the pasta seems dry.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended as the pasta and shrimp texture may change upon thawing.
## Conclusion
This Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine with Garlic and Tomatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this flavorful seafood pasta delight! Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking!
## Recipe Card
**Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine with Garlic and Tomatoes**
A flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish with succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and tangy tomatoes, all infused with a delightful kick of spice.
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound fettuccine pasta
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt, to taste
* Black pepper, to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes and white wine (if using) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
7. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Stir in the fresh basil and parsley.
8. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Enjoy!