Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta

Last updated on March 23rd, 2024 at 11:12 pm

This tomato basil shrimp pasta is a beautifully simple yet delicious dish that is on the table in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights and the whole family.

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This tomato basil shrimp pasta recipe is proof that sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Just 10 simple ingredients come together to create a seriously comforting and flavorful dish.

I originally made this recipe for my weeknight meal series over on Instagram, and it ended up being my favorite recipe of the series because of its simplicity, ease and bold fresh flavors.

Similar to my Caprese Ravioli and Pasta Primavera, this tomato basil shrimp pasta is ideal for busy weeknights where you only have 20 minutes to get dinner on the table.

I love that this pasta dish is cozy enough for winter but vibrant for spring and summer, so it’s really perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredient Notes

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, or are easily accessible at any grocery store.

Spaghetti: I went with a long grain noodle for this dish but feel free to use whatever you like.
Cherry tomatoes: the flesh to juice ratio of cherry tomatoes results in a beautifully luscious sauce.
Basil: since this dish is so simple, it is important to use fresh basil here.
Shrimp: I used large shrimp and peeled and removed the tails before cooking them in the sauce. No one wants to pluck tails off their shrimp while eating!
White wine: use an affordable dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, such as a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.
Butter: I prefer butter over olive oil for this dish as the cherry tomatoes melt into the butter for a rich, almost creamy sauce.
Garlic: lots of fresh garlic for bold flavor with not a lot of effort.
Seasoning: salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat, that’s it (and I promise it’s all this dish needs)

Equipment

Large sauté pan
Pasta pot
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta

1. Cook spaghetti to al dente in heavily salted boiling water according to the package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute while stirring.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add white wine and simmer everything together for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the shrimp, submerge them in the sauce and simmer until the shrimp are opaque, flipping once.
6. Add cooked spaghetti and basil and toss to coat the spaghetti in sauce.
7. Garnish with extra basil and parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips

• Since this recipe is so simple, it is important to use high quality ingredients for the best results.
• To help the cherry tomatoes break down faster, carefully pierce them with a sharp knife.
• Boil the spaghetti one minute less than package instructions, then cook it for the remaining one minute in the sauce so it really absorbs all the flavors.

Substitutions

Spaghetti: any long grain pasta, such as linguine or angel hair will work. Use a gluten free pasta such as chickpea pasta for a gluten free recipe.
Cherry tomatoes: grape tomatoes or chopped plum tomatoes will also work in this recipe.
White wine: if you don’t have or can’t have wine, chicken broth can be used instead.
Shrimp: for a more special occasion meal, sub out the shrimp with lobster or crab!

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Lobster Carbonara
• Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta
• Gnocchi Bolognese
• Pumpkin Pappardelle with Brown Butter

If you make this Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!