Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta (Easy 20-Minute Shrimp Pasta Recipe)
This creamy tomato shrimp pasta is one of those quick meals that feels way fancier than it actually is.
Juicy shrimp, a rich tomato cream sauce, and perfectly coated pasta all come together in about 20 minutes. It’s simple, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
If you’re looking for an easy shrimp pasta recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly, this one’s hard to beat!
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Creamy, rich tomato sauce without heavy cream
- Juicy, well-seasoned shrimp
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner
Tips for the Best Shrimp Pasta
Don’t overcook the shrimp
- Shrimp cook quickly,once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
Use pasta water
- The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Cook everything in the same pan
- This builds flavor from the shrimp and aromatics.
Adjust consistency
- Add more pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
Variations and Substitutions
Spicy version
- Add chili flakes or chili oil for some heat.
Garlic butter twist
- Add a bit of butter for a richer flavor.
Different pasta
- Works with spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
No cream cheese
- You can substitute with heavy cream if preferred.
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Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2–3 days
- Reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water
- Best enjoyed fresh for the best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creamy tomato shrimp pasta made of?
It’s made with shrimp, pasta, tomatoes, and a creamy element like cream cheese or cream, combined into a rich, savory sauce.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
How do you make shrimp pasta creamy without heavy cream?
Cream cheese works really well and creates a thick, smooth sauce without needing heavy cream.
What pasta is best for shrimp pasta?
Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti all work well because they hold onto the sauce nicely.
Ingredients
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 120 g of your favorite pasta (fettucine for me)
- ½ cup of pasta water
- 1 Tomato diced
- ½ can crushed tomatoes
- ½ onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 tbsp cream cheese
Step by step instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Boil 120 g pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. Prepare aromatics
Dice and slice tomatoes, onions and garlic.
3. Cook Shrimps
Heat your pan on medium heat with oil. Add shrimps to pan and season with with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until cooked. Set aside.
4. Toss in Rest of the Ingredients
Add tomatoes, onions and garlic to pan. Saute for 3-4 minutes then add crushed tomatoes and cream cheese. Mix well until smooth
5. Finishing
Add pasta water, pasta and shrimps. Simmer for 30 seconds until thickened. Toss well to ensure pasta is evenly coated.
6. Serve
Garnish with parsley and cheese (optional). Serve and enjoy!
Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta (Easy 20-Minute Shrimp Pasta Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Large shrimps, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 120 g your favorite pasta
- 1/2 cup Pasta water
- 1 Tomato diced
- 1/2 can Crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 4 tbsp Cream cheese
Instructions
- Cook PastaBoil 120 g pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Prepare aromaticsDice and slice tomatoes, onions and garlic.
- Cook Shrimps:Heat your pan on medium heat with oil. Add shrimps to pan and season with with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until cooked. Set aside.
- Toss in Rest of the Ingredients:Add tomatoes, onions and garlic to pan. Saute for 3-4 minutes then add crushed tomatoes and cream cheese. Mix well until smooth
- Finishing:Add pasta water, pasta and shrimps. Simmer for 30 seconds until thickened. Toss well to ensure pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve:Garnish with parsley and cheese (optional). Serve and enjoy!
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