Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce

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Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a great weeknight dinner option for the whole family since it’s so quick to make. Made with ingredients you probably already have; garlic, tomato, and lemon.

A white bowl of pasta and shrimp with basil on top and a fork and spoon on the side.

Ah, the classic pasta dinner. If you’ve never made it, here’s a sign to do it, and a recipe to go along with it, as well! Pasta is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. It’s easy to make, is a usual favorite, and has the perfect balance of carbs, protein, and fats.

Table of Contents

Shrimp is a well-loved source of protein!

Shrimp recipes with pasta as a main component are quite common, and for good reason. They make a great meal option. Truthfully, any seafood pasta works as a favorite dish for many. As long as the key ingredient is pasta, you can count me in!

Some succulent shrimp balances well with garlic, tomato, & olive oil flavors. If shrimp is not a family favorite for you, you can replace it with sliced chicken breasts. It’ll give you the protein your body needs with the flavors that you like.

Add Italian seasoning, marinade, sun-dried or fresh cherry tomatoes, and a bit of olive oil to spice up this dish. The beauty of easy dinners like this one is that it is perfect for any special occasion or just for busy weeknights.

A bowl of shrimp pasta with basil for garnish and a fork on the side.

Here’s what adds the special touch to this tasty dinner:

Garlic and lemon make up the main flavors of this recipe and are the perfect combination. Garlic gives your body antioxidants. It supports your immune system while lemon is rich in vitamin C, supporting digestion. I hope you love this original recipe as much as my family does!

Here’s why this is the best Pasta Shrimp and Tomato Sauce Recipe EVER:

No heavy cream! Fully dairy-free, this one’s for all you lactose intolerant foodies. No heavy cream, no butter, no dairy products AT ALL. You’re welcome, and I’m happy to help.

All pantry-staple ingredients! You don’t need to worry about strange spices, unknown ingredients, or feeling confused. Just open your pantry and these ingredients are more often than not just right there sitting waiting for you!
Fresh produce: When you eat organic, your body thanks you. You ingest less GMO, less additives or preservatives, and after a while, you feel healthier overall. I chose fresh produce for this recipe. That way, you not only enjoy a pasta dish but also the benefits of healthy fresh herbs and vegetables.

Key Ingredients

Shrimp pasta ingredients- pasta, garlic, bail, salt, pepper, tomato, lemon, olive oil, and shrimp.

Raw shrimp: I like to take the tails off and devein before I cook the shrimp. I don’t find it pleasant to eat shrimp with the tails on. Fresh shrimp that cooks best is of course the tastiest option.

Pasta: You can use any pasta that you like, I used angel hair. Shrimp fettuccine or penne pasta are popular, too.

Tomato: Not crushed tomatoes from a can, but a fresh Heirloom tomato goes well with shrimp and pasta. The flavor of fresh tomatoes matches perfectly with aromatic garlic and acidic lemon.

Garlic: It is ok to put in less garlic if you are not all about the garlic taste. Either way, use fresh garlic, not the garlic powder.

Lemon: Lemon and seafood go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Basil: It’s a great herb to add to pasta, fresh basil that is. Also, basil is good for skin benefits, depression, and good for the digestion system.

Olive oil: Or any oil you like to use.

And of course, you need the salt and black pepper to taste.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

How to make Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Cook pasta according to the package. Or, just boil the water in a medium pot with a teaspoon of salt. Add the pasta to the boiled water and cook until pasta is completely ready- al dente. Drain.

Step 2: Clean shrimp

Clean the raw shrimp and take off the tails (optional). Toss with extra virgin olive and juice from a lemon.

A bowl of raw shrimp with a lemon wedge and some olive oil on the side.

Step 3: Saute shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, add shrimp and saute each side for 2 minutes, or until cooked. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Make the sauce

In the same pan add the tomato, garlic, and basil with a pinch of salt and pepper; saute for 3 minutes. Stirring occasionally.

Tomatoes cooking for sauce in a black pan.

Step 5: Combine

Reduce heat, and add shrimp and pasta back into the skillet. Give it a gentle toss and serve. Garnish with extra fresh basil (optional).

Pasta, shrimp, and tomatoes combined in a black pan.

Expert Tips

Shrimp cooks quickly. Overcooking can make them tough. They are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Season throughout the cooking process. A pinch of salt and pepper at each stage builds layered flavors.
When sautéing shrimp, make sure the skillet is hot, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and a nice sear.
While basil is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or cilantro for added depth.
For the best texture and flavor, serve the dish immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce and shrimp.
Make this quick and easy tomato sauce at home instead of buying marinara sauce.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

If you’d like, use frozen shrimp, but ensure that you thaw and drain them well before cooking.

How can I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Should you leave the tails from shrimp on?

The choice is yours. It makes it easier and cleaner to eat with the tails off, but makes a nice presentation when leaving them on.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Adjust seasoning when reheating.

A white bowl filled with shrimp tomato pasta with basil on top and a fork.

Enjoy these other dinner recipes from the blog:

Easy Classic Pilaf Recipe with Beef makes a great fall lunch meal to enjoy with the whole family!
Baked Feta Pasta is a popular recipe, perfect for the whole family. It’s just as much fun to cook as it is to eat!
Vegetables with Chicken in the Oven is the ideal recipe to throw together a quick dinner, all on one pan!

Other shrimp recipes

If you tried this Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!