Description
A flavorful and creamy spicy shrimp pasta that combines tender shrimp with a rich tomato and cream sauce, enhanced by garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release their flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet along with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine, then pour in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors and slightly thicken.
- Finish Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water to the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thick. This step ensures the sauce reaches the right consistency to coat the pasta perfectly.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat through and marry the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh herbal note. Serve the pasta immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over as desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level, making the dish milder or spicier as desired.
- For a lighter creamy sauce, substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for heavy cream.
- This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread to complete the meal.