Garlic Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti
A vibrant and flavorful dish combining garlic, shrimp, and tomatoes over spaghetti, perfect for a quick dinner or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 250 g spaghetti Choose your favorite pasta; spaghetti provides the perfect foundation for the dish.
- Salt for the pasta water Enhances the flavor of the spaghetti as it cooks.
For the sauce
- 300 g shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or thawed; these shrimp will be the star of your dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Rich, fruity oil enhances the dish with its robust flavor.
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced The foundation of your sauce; adds an aromatic punch.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes Fresh or canned; brings juiciness and acidity.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste Adds concentrated tomato flavor, thickening the sauce.
- 1 tsp paprika For a subtle sweetness and hint of smokiness.
- 1 tsp black pepper Freshly cracked for an added kick.
- Salt to taste Adjust according to your preference.
- 1 tsp sugar If your tomatoes are too acidic, to balance out acidity.
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water Helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- 1 tbsp butter Optional but recommended for creaminess.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and paprika, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste, seasoning with black pepper, paprika, salt, and sugar.
- Pour in reserved pasta water and let mixture simmer for a few minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss to combine, ensuring each strand is coated. Stir in butter if using.
- Gently fold shrimp back into the pasta. Serve hot with an extra crack of black pepper on top.
Notes
Consider pairing with a side salad and crusty bread. Adjust cooking times according to method for flavor depth.