Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes. Trust me, this dish is a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Oh, how I adore these little crustaceans! With their sweet, succulent flesh and endless versatility, they never fail to steal the show in any dish. Amplified by the intense flavors of garlic, chili flakes, and juicy cherry tomatoes, their taste blossoms.

Picture this: plump shrimp, seared to perfection in a fragrant garlic and chili-infused olive oil, nestled atop a bed of al dente pasta, and bathed in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds and leaves you craving more with every bite.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy meal right in the comfort of your own kitchen. And trust me, the results are nothing short of spectacular..

Ingredients for Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes:

• Pasta of Your Choice:

Choose your favorite pasta variety to serve as the canvas for this delicious dish (spaghetti, penne).

• Shrimp:

Peel and devein these little gems to reveal their sweet and succulent flesh. They’ll be the highlight of our pasta, adding a burst of flavor and protein.

• Olive Oil:

Our trusty cooking companion, olive oil, will serve as the base for infusing our shrimp with the irresistible flavors of garlic and chili flakes.

• Garlic:

Smash up some cloves of garlic to release their aromatic essence and add depth to our dish. Don’t be shy – the more garlic, the better!

• Chili Flakes:

Spice things up with a dash of chili flakes, adding a fiery kick that will awaken your taste buds and elevate the flavor profile of our pasta.

• Onion:

Finely chop a small onion to add a subtle sweetness and texture to our sauce, creating a flavorful foundation for the cherry tomatoes to shine.

• Cherry Tomatoes:

Halve these vibrant gems to release their juicy goodness, providing a burst of freshness and color that will brighten up our dish.

• Tomato Paste:

A spoonful of tomato paste will deepen the flavor of our sauce, adding richness and complexity to every bite.

• White Wine:

Splash in some white wine to deglaze the pan and infuse our sauce with a hint of acidity and brightness. It’s the secret ingredient that takes our dish to the next level.

• Heavy Cream:

Pour in some heavy cream to add a luxurious creaminess to our sauce, enveloping each strand of pasta and shrimp in a velvety embrace.

• Italian Herbs:

Sprinkle in a blend of Italian herbs to add a touch of Mediterranean flair to our dish, infusing it with an aromatic bouquet of flavors.

• Parsley:

Chop up some fresh parsley to garnish our pasta and add a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation.

• Salt and Pepper:

Season to taste with salt and pepper, balancing the flavors and bringing our dish to life with a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures.

• Grated Parmesan Cheese:

Finish off our pasta with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, adding a salty and nutty flavor that ties everything together beautifully.

How to cook Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

1. Prep the Ingredients:

• Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Smash the garlic cloves for the shrimp and chop the onion and the garlic (for the sauce) finely. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the parsley, and measure out all other ingredients.

2. Cook the Shrimp:

• Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and chili flakes, allowing them to infuse the oil for about a minute.

• Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook until golden, about 4 minutes on each side.

• Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if necessary. Then, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened, for about 2-3 minutes.

• Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook them until they begin to soften and release their juices, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

• Following that, stir in the tomato paste and allow it to cook for an additional minute.

• Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

• Add the heavy cream, Italian herbs, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Additionally, allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Cook the Pasta:

• While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

• Drain and set aside.

5. Bring It All Together:

• Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the smashed garlic cloves.

• Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce.

• Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.

• Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped parsley if desired.

6. Enjoy!

• Dive into your delicious Chili Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and savor every bite of this flavorful and comforting dish!

Substitutions for Shrimp Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes:

• If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily swap it out for another protein such as chicken, tofu, or even sliced sausage.

• Any type of pasta works well in this recipe, so feel free to use your favorite shape or variety.

Tips & Tricks:

• To enhance the flavor of the sauce, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

• For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.

• Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein options. Broccoli, spinach, or chicken would all make delicious additions.

Hungry for more Shrimp Recipes?

• Vegetable Wok with Shrimp and Rice

• Shrimp Rice Bowl with Lamb’s Lettuce