If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this shrimp pasta in tomato sauce is the perfect choice. It’s a dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the richness of tomato sauce, all brought together with perfectly cooked fettuccine. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying—ideal for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined
- Fettuccine: 7 oz
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
- Paprika: 1 piece, chopped
- Tomato Sauce: 400 ml
- Olives: 3 oz, sliced
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper mixture, Italian herbs, paprika (to taste)
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Parsley: Fresh, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Fettuccine: Begin by cooking the fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later.
- Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat a bit of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant and golden. Then, add the chopped paprika and cook for another 2 minutes until softened. Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Add the Italian herbs and season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Olives and Shrimp: Stir the sliced olives into the sauce, then return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes, ensuring the shrimp is well coated in the sauce.
- Combine with Fettuccine: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Conclusion
This shrimp pasta in tomato sauce is a delightful combination of simple ingredients that come together quickly to create a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner, this dish is sure to impress without the stress. Enjoy your meal!