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To make spaghetti with shrimp in creamy tomato sauce, gather these main ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich and satisfying dish that you will love. Garnishes can elevate your dish. Here are some optional ideas: - Fresh basil, chopped - Extra grated Parmesan cheese - A sprinkle of black pepper Adding these will make your plate look beautiful and taste even better. For a deeper flavor in your sauce, consider these recommended ingredients: - A splash of white wine for acidity - Lemon zest for a fresh touch - Spinach for added nutrition and color These ingredients enhance your creamy tomato sauce. They add layers of taste that will impress everyone at the table. For the full recipe, feel free to explore more detailed steps in the cooking section. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a roaring boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti. Stir it well and follow the package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means slightly firm. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Save about ½ cup of the pasta water. This water is gold for your sauce! Next, grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. Once hot, add 1 small finely chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Now, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it around until you smell that sweet aroma! Now it’s time for the shrimp. Add 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly but still remain smooth. Now, return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked spaghetti next. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t worry! Just add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta and shrimp are well coated in that creamy sauce. - Tips for Achieving the Perfect Consistency: - Use reserved pasta water for a creamier sauce. - Stir gently to avoid breaking the shrimp. - Let the sauce simmer longer for a thicker texture. With these steps, your spaghetti with shrimp in creamy tomato sauce will shine! You can find the full recipe for more details and tips. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color closely. Shrimp turn pink when done. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn. If they curl tightly, they are overcooked. Always remember, shrimp cook quickly. You can always add them back to the sauce later if needed. This keeps them tender and juicy. A creamy tomato sauce needs balance. Use heavy cream for richness. Stir it in after the crushed tomatoes. Let it simmer gently to blend flavors. Adding Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce and adds depth. For extra creaminess, don’t skip the cheese! If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water. This helps reach the perfect silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go. Presentation makes your meal shine. Serve the spaghetti in wide, shallow bowls. This gives it a nice look. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for color. A twist of black pepper adds contrast and flavor. You can also add extra grated Parmesan for a gourmet touch. Arranging the shrimp on top shows off their beauty. Enjoy the compliments you receive from your guests! For the complete recipe, check out Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition of your spaghetti with shrimp by adding vegetables. Some great choices include: - Spinach - Bell peppers - Zucchini - Cherry tomatoes Just sauté them with the onion and garlic. This adds color, flavor, and health benefits. Plus, it makes the dish look even better! If shrimp isn't your thing, don't worry! You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Here are some tasty options: - Chicken breast, diced - Scallops - Tofu, cubed These alternatives work well with the creamy tomato sauce. Adjust cooking time based on the protein you choose. Want to jazz up your spaghetti? You can add different flavors to make it unique. Here are some ideas: - Lemon juice for brightness - Capers for a salty kick - Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano Experimenting with spices can turn this dish into a new favorite. Try different combinations to find what you love. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To keep your spaghetti with shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Place it in the fridge and eat within three days. If you know you won't finish it soon, consider freezing it. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to help it steam. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring gently. This keeps the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy. You can also use a microwave, but cover the dish to trap steam. Heat in short intervals, stirring often. If you want to freeze your spaghetti with shrimp, separate the sauce from the pasta. The sauce freezes well for up to three months. Store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet and add freshly cooked pasta for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this dish. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. Remember, fresh shrimp often taste better, but frozen works well too. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Each option will change the flavor slightly, but they still make a tasty sauce. To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great-tasting options made from rice, corn, or lentils. Cook it according to the package directions, and enjoy your gluten-free meal! For the full recipe, you can refer to the steps above. This blog post covered key ingredients for shrimp spaghetti, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared variations to suit your taste and advice on storing leftovers. Remember, perfect shrimp shouldn’t be overcooked, and the sauce should be creamy. You can mix in veggies or alternative proteins for extra nutrition. Enjoy crafting this dish with confidence! With these tools, you can make a meal that's tasty and fun to share. Happy cooking!

Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Indulge in a delightful meal with our Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe! This quick and flavorful dish pairs juicy shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. Discover step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving the ideal creamy texture. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and create a delicious dinner that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).

      Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet along with red pepper flakes, cooking until they turn pink and are cooked through (approximately 2-3 minutes). Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

        Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

          Combine the Ingredients: Return the shrimp to the skillet, followed by the cooked spaghetti. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly in the sauce.

            Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

              Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls for an elegant look. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil and a twist of black pepper on top for visual appeal.