Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

Pantry Staples

To make a delicious Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta, you’ll need a variety of ingredients and pantry staples that will bring out the best flavors of this dish.

Pantry Staples:

Olive oil – This is the base ingredient for sautéing the shrimp and garlic, so it’s essential to have some good quality olive oil in your pantry.
Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the dish and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick to the shrimp and pasta, making it a crucial pantry staple for this recipe.
Garlic powder – This ingredient may seem simple, but it’s an essential component in bringing out the depth of flavor in this dish.
Dried basil – Fresh basil is always a great addition to any Italian-inspired dish, and dried basil adds a similar flavor without the need for frequent trips to the store.

Main Ingredients:

Fresh tomatoes – You can use either cherry or grape tomatoes for this recipe, depending on your personal preference.
Shrimp – Choose large shrimp with shells intact for added flavor and texture.
Pasta – Choose a long, flat pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine to pair well with the fresh tomatoes and shrimp.
Onion – A small onion is needed to add some sweetness and crunch to the dish.
Fresh parsley – This herb adds a burst of freshness to the dish and complements the flavors of the tomatoes, garlic, and basil perfectly.

Other Ingredients (optional):

Lemon juice or zest – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add some brightness and acidity to the dish, while the lemon zest provides additional flavor and aroma.
Red pepper flakes – For a spicy twist on the classic recipe, you can add some red pepper flakes to give it a kick.
Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of richness and creaminess to the dish.
White wine (optional): If you want to make this dish even more authentic, you can add some white wine to sauté with the garlic and onion for added depth of flavor.

1 pound pasta (linguine or fettuccine)

The star of this recipe, and indeed any pasta dish, is high-quality pasta itself. For our Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta, we recommend a long, flat shape like linguine or fettuccine to complement the tender shrimp and fresh tomato sauce.

For the perfect pasta-to-sauce ratio, aim for about 1 pound of pasta per 4-6 servings. You can also adjust the amount of pasta based on individual appetites and preferences.

Here are some specific ingredients you’ll need:

1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (about 2-3 medium-sized tomatoes)
1/4 cup white wine (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Please note that while you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute, fresh tomatoes add a depth of flavor and texture that’s hard to replicate with canned.

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

The ingredients for this Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta Recipe are crucial to achieving a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh, sustainable shrimp are a must for this dish. Opt for ones that have been stored in their shells to preserve flavor and texture.
8 ounces pasta of your choice: Choose a short, robust pasta shape like pappardelle or bucatini to pair with the juicy tomatoes and succulent shrimp.
2 large, ripe tomatoes, diced: Use heirloom tomatoes for their exceptional flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh tomatoes, use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes as a substitute.
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Choose a high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil to add depth and richness to the dish.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is essential for its pungency and flavor enhancement properties.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves: Use high-quality, fragrant basil leaves for their bright, herbaceous flavor.
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Freshly squeeze the lemon to preserve its acidity and enhance the overall brightness of the dish.

Key Ingredient

The star of this show is undoubtedly the Parmesan cheese. Here’s why:

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Aged, high-quality Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth to the dish that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and shrimp.

This essential ingredient is what ties the entire recipe together. Make sure to grate it fresh for each use to preserve its flavor and texture.

2 cloves garlic, minced

To prepare this Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta recipe, it’s essential to have the right ingredients. One key ingredient that adds depth and aroma to the dish is garlic.

The instructions specify using 2 cloves of garlic, which requires some preparation before adding it to the recipe. To prepare the garlic, you should peel and then mince each clove finely.

Mincing garlic involves cutting it into extremely fine pieces, almost like a paste. This process is crucial because it allows the flavor of the garlic to be evenly distributed throughout the dish.

To mince 2 cloves of garlic, you can use a sharp knife or, if you prefer, a food processor. If using a knife, place each clove on a cutting board and cut it into thin slices. Then, cut those slices into even smaller pieces until you have the desired consistency.

If using a food processor, simply add the cloves of garlic to the machine and process until they are finely minced. Be careful not to over-process, as this can result in a paste that might be too fine for your needs.

Preparation

Cooking the Pasta and Shrimp

To prepare a delicious Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta dish, it’s essential to start with some planning and preparation. This will ensure that everything comes together smoothly and perfectly.

Firstly, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools required for the recipe. This includes fresh shrimp, pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or linguine), cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and any other desired herbs or spices.

Next, choose a suitable cooking vessel for heating the olive oil over medium heat. A saucepan or skillet would be ideal for this task. Ensure that it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably without overcrowding the pan.

Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic and sauté them in olive oil until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can impart a bitter taste to the dish.

While the garlic is cooking, peel and de-vein the shrimp, if necessary. Rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cooking process.

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the cherry tomatoes to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until they start to release their juices. This will help create a rich tomato sauce.

Now it’s time to cook the pasta according to package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling salted water, adding the pasta, and cooking until al dente (tender but still firm). Be sure to save some of the starchy pasta water for later use in adjusting the consistency of the sauce.

While the pasta is cooking, add a pinch of salt to the garlic-tomato mixture and sauté for another minute. This will enhance the flavors and help bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

Once the shrimp are cooked through, usually about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size, remove them from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice (if desired) to the garlic-tomato mixture and stir to combine. Let it simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander and return it to the saucepan with some reserved starchy water to create a creamy consistency.

Combine the cooked shrimp with the garlic-tomato mixture and toss everything together with the pasta, ensuring that each piece of pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.

Finally, garnish with chopped basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve immediately while the dish is still hot. Enjoy your delicious Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta!

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

To prepare a delicious and flavorful Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta dish, it’s essential to start with perfectly cooked pasta.

First, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools before beginning:

Pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
Large pot for boiling water
Colander or strainer
Salt for the cooking water

To cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente:

Fill a large pot with cold water and add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. The amount of salt may vary depending on your taste preferences.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and stir gently to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Return the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for the recommended cooking time on the package instructions. For al dente pasta, you want to cook it until it’s still slightly firm in the center but not hard or crunchy.

The cooking time will depend on the type of pasta you’re using:

Penne and most other tubular shapes: 8-10 minutes
Thin, long shapes like spaghetti and linguine: 9-12 minutes
Fettuccine and wide flat shapes: 10-14 minutes

Remember to check the pasta frequently during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reserve some of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti in a colander or strainer. This reserved water will come in handy when combining it with the tomato sauce and shrimp later on in the recipe.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over mediumhigh heat.

To prepare the Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta Recipe, it’s essential to begin with some crucial steps before moving on to cooking the actual dish. The first step is to melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

This may seem like a simple task, but it’s vital to get it right to ensure that your pasta dish turns out flavorful and delicious. To melt the butter, you’ll need to place the skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop.

Allow the butter to melt completely, which should take about 1-2 minutes, depending on the temperature of your stove. Once melted, the butter will start to froth and bubble slightly.

This is a good sign that it’s ready for the next step, which involves adding other ingredients to create the sauce for your pasta dish. Keep an eye on the heat level at this stage, as you don’t want the butter to burn or turn brown too quickly.

Once melted, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe, which includes sautéing garlic and onions, adding the shrimp, and finally combining it all with cooked pasta, fresh tomatoes, and other seasonings. The key is to maintain a balance between heat and flavor to create a dish that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

Add 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, and cook for 23 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.

To prepare this delicious Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta dish, there are several steps that need to be taken before cooking the shrimp and pasta. First, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools needed for the recipe. This includes 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, 12 ounces of pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine), 3 cloves of garlic, 2 cups of fresh cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.

Next, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining and setting it aside for later use.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled garlic cloves to the pan and sauté until fragrant for about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 23 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.

Remove the shrimp from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate for later use. In the same pan, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until they start to break down and release their juices.

Add the garlic powder and any other desired herbs or spices to the pan with the tomato mixture and stir to combine. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Once the pasta has finished cooking, add it back into the pot with some reserved pasta water if needed. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce made from the cherry tomatoes and garlic, then top it off with the cooked shrimp.

Finally, garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves and serve hot, ready to be enjoyed by everyone in your household.

Combining Flavors

Finishing the Dish

The final stages of cooking a dish like Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta are all about bringing together the various flavors and textures to create a cohesive and delicious whole.

This involves not only combining the individual ingredients, but also considering the overall balance of tastes and sensations that will be experienced by the diner.

For this particular recipe, the key is to balance the sweetness of the fresh tomatoes, the richness of the shrimp, and the tanginess of the herbs and spices, all while maintaining a sense of freshness and lightness from the pasta itself.

One way to achieve this balance is by paying close attention to the timing of when each ingredient is added to the dish. For example, if you add the shrimp too early in the cooking process, they may become overcooked and tough, while adding them too late may result in under seasoned meat.

In contrast, if you sauté the aromatics – such as garlic, onions, and herbs – for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes and pasta, this can help to develop their flavors and create a rich and savory base for the dish.

Similarly, adding the cream or cheese towards the end of cooking helps to prevent it from breaking down or becoming too thin, while still allowing its flavors to shine through in the finished dish.

Finally, a sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end – such as parsley, basil, or cilantro – can add a bright and refreshing note to the dish, cutting through any richness or heaviness that may have accumulated during cooking.

By paying attention to these details and taking the time to balance and combine the flavors in your Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that is both satisfying and elegant, with each bite offering a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet with garlic and a pinch of salt.

To combine the flavors and create a rich and savory sauce, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet with garlic and a pinch of salt.
This step is crucial as it brings out the aromatic flavor of the garlic and complements the sweetness of the tomatoes that will be added later.
The heat from the melted butter also helps to activate the enzymes in the garlic, releasing its pungent aroma and flavors into the air.
By adding a pinch of salt to the butter and garlic mixture, you are enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish and balancing out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
The key is to let the butter melt slowly over low heat, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the butter without burning or becoming too overpowering.
This will create a depth of flavor in the sauce that will complement the shrimp and pasta perfectly, making each bite a delicious and harmonious combination of flavors.

Add 1 cup sliced fresh tomatoes (such as cherry or grape) to the skillet and cook for 23 minutes until they start to release their juices.

To combine flavors, it’s essential to balance sweet, salty, tangy, and umami tastes. In this Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta recipe, we’ll be using a combination of these flavor elements to create a delicious dish.

Herbs and Spices: The first step in combining flavors is to add aromatic herbs and spices that will complement the main ingredients. For this recipe, you can use fresh basil or parsley, which are classic pairings with tomatoes and seafood.

Beyond herbs, there are other spices and seasonings that can enhance the flavor of your dish. You can try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or a sprinkle of garlic powder to add depth without overpowering the other ingredients.

Acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is another way to balance flavors in this recipe. Adding a splash of citrus will not only enhance the flavor but also help to bring out the natural sweetness in the tomatoes and shrimp.

Umami: To add depth and richness to your dish, you can use umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce or fish sauce. These seasonings are especially effective when paired with seafood and will create a savory flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.

Finally, don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning throughout the cooking process ensures that your flavors remain balanced and delicious. By combining these different flavor elements, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Now, let’s get back to our recipe: Add 1 cup sliced fresh tomatoes (such as cherry or grape) to the skillet and cook for 23 minutes until they start to release their juices. This step will help to break down the starches in the tomatoes and create a saucy consistency.

While the tomatoes are cooking, you can prepare the shrimp by seasoning them with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Once the tomatoes have released their juices, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they’re pink and cooked through.

Combine cooked pasta, shrimp, and tomato mixture in a large bowl and toss with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

To complete the Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta recipe, combining flavors is crucial to achieve a harmonious balance of savory and sweet notes.

The dish requires tossing cooked pasta with a flavorful shrimp and tomato mixture, adding an essence of freshness through parsley and a richness of Parmesan cheese.

Here’s how you can combine these ingredients effectively:

Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl, making sure it’s well drained and fluffy. This step is crucial in preventing a mushy or soggy texture from developing later on.
Now, add the prepared shrimp and tomato mixture to the bowl with the cooked pasta. Ensure that both ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and distribution of flavors.
Gently toss the combination of pasta, shrimp, and tomatoes together using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until they’re well incorporated. This helps distribute the tomato sauce evenly across all strands of pasta.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, allowing its salty and nutty flavor to balance out the sweetness from the tomatoes.

Next, add a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top. The vibrant color and herbaceous taste will add depth to this dish while providing freshness in each bite.

The combination of cooked pasta, succulent shrimp, tangy tomato mixture, rich Parmesan cheese, and fragrant parsley is essential for the balanced flavor profile that makes Fresh Tomato Shrimp Pasta so enjoyable.

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Percival Langley

Gourmet Expert at myfab5.com

Percival Langley, the creative force behind this site, holds the unique and delectable title of Gourmet Expert. With a passion for elevating the culinary experiences of our furry companions, Percival shares delightful and nutritious recipes that go beyond the ordinary. His site is a go-to resource for pet owners seeking to pamper their pets with gourmet treats and meals. Percival's expertise in crafting delicious and health-conscious pet cuisine is evident in the tasteful and innovative content he curates. For those who believe in treating their pets to a culinary adventure, Percival Langley's site is a flavorful journey into the world of gourmet pet delights.

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