Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of linguine, bursting with succulent shrimp, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil – a dish that looks like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant, but can be created in your own kitchen in just half an hour. This Shrimp Tomato and Basil Linguine is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy, without requiring professional chef skills or hours of preparation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the linguine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the 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, sautéing 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 start to soften and release their juices.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained linguine. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Always pat your shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Reserve pasta water before draining – its starchy magic helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Use fresh basil if possible – it makes a world of difference in flavor.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the tomatoes.
- Choose medium or large shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 269kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 80mg
