Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant, mouthwatering plate of pasta where succulent shrimp meet burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, all kissed by fragrant garlic and a hint of spicy red pepper. This Shrimp Pomodoro isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, ready to transform your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary in just 30 magical minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss everything together. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- • Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure perfect searing and prevent steaming • Don't overcook shrimp—they're done when they turn pink and curl slightly • Reserve pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce • Use fresh basil right at the end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor • Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the most intense taste • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 220mg
