If you have a soft spot for seafood pasta that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you’re in for a treat with this Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked shrimp nestled in a luscious tomato sauce, enriched with cream and kissed by fragrant basil and garlic. Every bite bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors balanced by just a hint of heat from chili flakes. It’s an easy-to-make dish that feels gourmet enough for company but simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorites to turn to when you crave something comforting yet impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, this dish combines vibrant colors, rich creaminess, and delicate seafood flavor into every forkful. Each ingredient plays a vital role, ensuring that the final plate is anything but ordinary.
- 1 lb medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein that adds a tender, juicy seafood sweetness.
- 3/4 lb spaghetti (or angel hair pasta): A perfect pasta base that carries the creamy sauce with every twirl.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps sauté ingredients evenly.
- 6 medium tomatoes (diced): Provides vibrant acidity and body to the sauce.
- 1 small onion (or 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 1/4 tsp hot chili flakes: Brings a mild kick that awakens the palate without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (or 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil): Infuses herbal notes that complement the tomato beautifully.
- 1 garlic clove (pressed): A punch of savory warmth that’s essential in any good tomato sauce.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps meld the sauce flavors together.
- 1 cup dry white wine (avoid sweet wine): Offers brightness and subtle complexity while softening the acidity of tomatoes.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Turns the sauce silky smooth and rich without heaviness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Vital for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Parmesan to serve: Finishing touch with nutty, salty sparkle that elevates the whole dish.
How to Make Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by peeling and drying your shrimp thoroughly on paper towels—this helps them sear beautifully. Lightly season with salt and pepper and cook in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, around 3 minutes, flipping halfway. Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery! Once done, set them aside while you build the sauce.
Step 2: Create the Tomato Base
In a heavy pan, combine diced tomatoes, finely chopped onion (or green onion if you prefer), chili flakes, basil, pressed garlic, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors. Pour in the dry white wine and turn the heat to medium-high. Let the mixture gently cook down until the ingredients are soft and fragrant and most of the wine has evaporated, leaving about a 1/4 cup of flavorful liquid behind. This slow melding of ingredients is what makes the sauce taste so rich and balanced.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the noodles from clumping, then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under hot water to stop the cooking process. Set aside so it’s ready to toss with sauce.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine Shrimp
Once your tomato sauce has thickened and most of the wine is gone, stir in the heavy cream. The sauce will instantly become luscious and silky. Gently add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and warm through for about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper—this last step ensures every bite is perfectly flavorful.
Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Serve
Finally, toss the warm pasta into the pan with your creamy tomato and shrimp sauce. Make sure every strand is coated beautifully. Serve immediately, generously sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan to add a satisfying salty finish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Serve Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh twist by garnishing your plate with extra chopped basil or a handful of arugula for peppery freshness. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more, making each bite burst with brightness alongside the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the sauce. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce on the plate, ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the spaghetti twirled into neat nests on each plate, topped with the shrimp placed gently on top. Sprinkle with colorful microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-quality look at home. Alternatively, use shallow bowls to cradle the pasta and sauce, making it cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spaghetti with shrimp in creamy tomato sauce keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to let the flavors meld further. Gently warm leftovers rather than microwaving on high to preserve the shrimp’s tender texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if necessary. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often to prevent the cream sauce from separating, and add a bit of butter or cream if needed to revive that rich, silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high power as shrimp can become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure they sauté nicely without steaming.
What kind of white wine works best in this sauce?
Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay work beautifully here. Avoid anything sweet as it can alter the balance of flavors in the sauce.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and velvety. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream adds creaminess but shifts the flavor profile.
Is it okay to use angel hair pasta instead of spaghetti?
Definitely! Angel hair cooks faster and pairs well with delicate sauces, making it an excellent choice if you want something lighter and quicker to prepare.
How spicy is this dish with the chili flakes?
The 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes adds just a gentle warmth that enhances the flavor without making the dish spicy. You can always adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels special but comes together quickly with accessible ingredients, this Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s comforting, sophisticated, and bursting with flavors that make every bite memorable. Trust me, once you make it, it will become your go-to for cozy dinners or when you want to impress without fuss. So grab those shrimp and tomatoes and get cooking—you’re in for a delicious adventure!
Print
Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and creamy spaghetti dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce enhanced with garlic, basil, and a splash of white wine. Perfectly al dente pasta tossed in a rich cream-infused sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese for a comforting and elegant meal ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing shrimp)
Pasta
- 3/4 lb spaghetti (or angel hair pasta)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for pasta water)
- Salt for pasta water
Tomato Sauce
- 6 medium tomatoes (diced)
- 1 small onion or 1/4 cup green onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 tsp hot chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried basil or 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 garlic clove (pressed)
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup dry white wine (avoid sweet wine)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Peel and pat dry the shrimp with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the tomato sauce: In a heavy pan, combine diced tomatoes, chopped onion, chili flakes, basil, pressed garlic, and unsalted butter. Season with salt and pepper. Add the white wine and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture softens and most of the wine evaporates, leaving about 1/4 cup of liquid remaining.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly, and set aside.
- Finish the sauce: Stir the heavy cream into the reduced tomato mixture. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and warm gently for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss and serve: Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy tomato shrimp sauce. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use fresh medium shrimp for the best taste and texture.
- You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes to taste.
- Ensure pasta is not overcooked to maintain perfect al dente texture.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil works well too.
- Parmesan cheese can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese alternative for dietary preferences.
