Spaghetti with Garlic, Tomato & Shrimp is a delightful, light pasta dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Juicy shrimp mingle with fresh, bright tomatoes and fragrant garlic, creating a sauce that beautifully coats every strand of spaghetti for a simple yet elegant meal.
The balance of tender seafood and vibrant seasoning makes this dish satisfying without being heavy, ideal for those who appreciate fresh flavors and effortless cooking. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a true weeknight winner!
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bright, fresh ingredients that bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table.
- Light yet filling with protein-rich shrimp and wholesome pasta.
- Customizable with optional ingredients like Parmesan and lemon juice for added zest.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti (400 g / 14 oz): Long, thin pasta providing a classic base, cooked al dente for perfect bite and texture.
- Raw shrimp (450 g / 1 lb), peeled and deveined: Sweet and tender seafood that cooks quickly, adding a rich ocean flavor to the dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of shrimp and tomatoes.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): High-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; imparts a fruity aroma and richness.
- Garlic (4 cloves), thinly sliced or minced: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the sauce with its signature pungent and savory taste.
- Cherry tomatoes (1½ cups), halved: Juicy, sweet tomatoes that soften beautifully, releasing fresh natural juices into the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle heat that balances the sweetness and acidity of tomatoes.
- Reserved pasta cooking water (¼ cup): Starchy water that helps bind the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons), chopped: Bright herb that garnishes the dish with earthy freshness and color contrast.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a zesty brightness that lifts and balances the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Nutty and salty cheese that enriches the final dish when sprinkled on top.
Instructions
- Bring Water to a Rolling Boil and Cook Pasta
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Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil to properly season and cook the spaghetti. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, ensuring firm texture to hold the sauce well. Reserve a quarter cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s valuable for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Season and Sauté Shrimp
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Lightly season peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet, then add the shrimp. Sauté each side for 1–2 minutes until just pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and prevents toughness. Remove and set aside.
- Create Fragrant Garlic Base
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In the same skillet, pour in the remaining olive oil. Add thinly sliced or minced garlic and sauté briefly—about 30 seconds—to release its aroma without burning. This gentle cooking step creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cook Tomatoes and Add Spice
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Add halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until tomatoes soften and begin releasing their sweet juices, melding with the garlic-infused oil. This forms a bright, fresh sauce that clings to the pasta and shrimp.
- Combine Shrimp, Pasta, and Sauce
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Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained spaghetti along with the reserved pasta cooking water, which loosens the sauce and helps it adhere perfectly to the noodles. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated with luscious sauce.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Brightness
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Stir in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of herbaceous flavor and vibrant color. If using, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten and balance the dish’s rich and savory notes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve Immediately with Optional Cheese
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Plate the pasta while hot and serve right away. For an indulgent finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a creamy, nutty dimension. Enjoy this elegant, satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
- If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, canned diced tomatoes are a worthy and convenient substitute.
- Adding a splash of white wine when cooking the tomatoes adds depth and subtle complexity to the sauce.
- You can replace parsley with basil for a more classic Italian herb profile.
- Scallops or calamari make excellent seafood alternatives if shrimp isn’t preferred.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture and avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A chilled glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, beautifully complements the seafood flavors.
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and bind the sauce for a silky texture.
- Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil and garlic to maximize flavor impact.
- For extra richness, finishing with a knob of butter can add a luxurious mouthfeel.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
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Yes, just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the sauce.
- Is this dish spicy?
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It can be mildly spicy if you include the red pepper flakes; omit them for a milder version.
- What kind of tomatoes works best?
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Cherry tomatoes are preferred for their sweetness and firmness, but fresh diced tomatoes or canned can be used in a pinch.
- Can I make this gluten-free?
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Absolutely, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking times accordingly.
- How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan?
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Ensure the pan and olive oil are adequately heated before adding shrimp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even cooking.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
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It’s best served fresh, but components like the sauce and cooked shrimp can be prepped a few hours earlier and combined just before serving.
- What can I substitute for parsley?
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Basil is a great alternative herb to add a classic Italian flavor twist.
Spaghetti with Garlic Tomato Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 large skillet for cooking shrimp and sauce
Ingredients
- 14 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic sliced or minced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
- grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the spaghetti.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes and cook 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and add drained spaghetti and reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything gently to combine and coat with sauce.
- Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Substitute canned diced tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.
- Add white wine when cooking tomatoes for extra depth.
- Swap parsley with basil for a different herb note.
- Use scallops or calamari instead of shrimp for variation.
