Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, draped in a luxurious, velvety sauce, studded with succulent shrimp and burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes. This Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce isn't just a meal—it's a culinary escape to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, where every bite tells a story of flavor, freshness, and pure gastronomic pleasure. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or looking to impress your food-loving friends, this recipe is your ticket to instant kitchen stardom.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and 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, add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir continuously and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy tomato sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently fold into the pasta.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish and give a final gentle stir.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Don't overcook your shrimp! They're done as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating silky, clingy sauces that perfectly coat your pasta.
- Use fresh basil if possible—it makes a world of difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the sauce at its creamy, most luxurious moment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 599kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 195mg
