Spicy Tomato Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines succulent shrimp with a spicy tomato sauce and al dente pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Timing

Making the Spicy Tomato Shrimp Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
2. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are pink and opaque.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
2. Stir in Basil: Gently fold in the chopped basil.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Spicy Tomato Shrimp Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	30g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Vegetables: Include spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Make it Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Use Different Proteins: Substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Spicy Tomato Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously bold dish that brings together the flavors of shrimp and a spicy tomato sauce, making it a perfect choice for any pasta lover. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful recipe!