If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special but is easy to make, this Shrimp Pasta in a Creamy Tomato Sauce is exactly what you need. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a garlic tomato cream sauce and tossed with tender pasta for a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
The best part? This creamy tomato shrimp pasta recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, date nights at home, or when you just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s get cooking.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- Salt for boiling water
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make Shrimp Pasta in a Creamy Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, save about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Do not overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. Then add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce cook for another 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan. Stir gently.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Creamy, rich, and full of flavor
- Perfect for family dinners
- Feels fancy but is very simple
This easy shrimp pasta recipe is a go-to meal when you want something comforting but not too heavy.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta
Here are some simple tips to make your shrimp pasta dinner even better:
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better browning.
- Don’t skip saving pasta water — it helps adjust the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
These small details make a big difference in flavor.
What Pasta Works Best?
You can use almost any pasta for this shrimp spaghetti recipe. Some great options include:
- Spaghetti
- Fettuccine
- Linguine
- Penne
- Rigatoni
Long pasta works well because it holds onto the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
Variations You Can Try
One of the best things about this seafood pasta recipe is how easy it is to customize.
Add Vegetables
You can add:
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Cherry tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
Cook vegetables before adding the sauce.
Make It Spicy
Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.
Make It Lighter
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still creamy.
Add White Wine
Add a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic. Let it reduce before adding tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Warm in a pan over low heat.
- Add a splash of cream, milk, or water to loosen the sauce.
- Stir gently until heated through.
Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become tough.
Freezing is not recommended because cream-based sauces can separate.
Is Shrimp Pasta Healthy?
Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, making it a great choice for dinner. It also contains important nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.
To make this homemade shrimp pasta healthier:
- Use whole wheat pasta.
- Reduce the cream slightly.
- Add more vegetables.
- Control portion size.
It can be a balanced meal when enjoyed in moderation.
What to Serve with Shrimp Pasta
This shrimp pasta with cream sauce pairs well with:
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- A glass of white wine
Keep the sides simple since the pasta itself is rich and flavorful.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Pasta in a Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe is simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender shrimp, rich tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a meal everyone will love.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or making dinner for guests, this easy shrimp pasta recipe is always a good idea. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for any occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite.
