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- 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 Each ingredient plays a special part in this dish. The spaghetti serves as the base, providing a hearty texture. Large shrimp add a nice protein punch and a sweet, ocean flavor. Crushed tomatoes give the sauce its body and rich taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth, while garlic and onion build a fragrant foundation. Olive oil helps to sauté everything, and red pepper flakes offer a hint of heat. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor, and fresh basil gives a bright finish. Salt and pepper enhance all these flavors, bringing the dish together. For extra flair, consider these garnishes: - Extra chopped basil for freshness - A sprinkle of more Parmesan for richness - A drizzle of olive oil for added flavor - Lemon zest for a citrusy lift These optional touches can elevate your dish and make it even more delightful. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and tips. To cook spaghetti, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the spaghetti, but save about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water helps to adjust the sauce later. Next, we need to build flavor. In a large skillet, pour in some olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about three minutes until it turns soft and clear. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant, but not browned. This mix will give a tasty base to your sauce. Now it’s time for the sauce. In the same skillet, add a can of crushed tomatoes. Stir it well and let it simmer gently. After a few minutes, pour in the heavy cream. Mix it until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about five to seven minutes. Stir it occasionally. This allows it to thicken and develop a rich flavor. After the sauce is ready, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Then, add the drained spaghetti. If the sauce seems too thick, use some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Toss everything gently. You want each piece of shrimp and spaghetti coated in that creamy tomato sauce. For the final touch, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the sauce extra rich. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy. Peel and devein them before cooking. Heat your skillet until it’s hot, then add the shrimp quickly. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. Watch for their color change to pink. This tells you they are done. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery, so keep an eye on them. For a creamy sauce, balance is key. Start with crushed tomatoes and then add heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently. If it gets too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen it. This starchy water adds flavor and helps the sauce cling to your pasta. Aim for a smooth and rich texture that coats the spaghetti well. To serve your spaghetti beautifully, choose wide, shallow bowls. This style allows for a lovely presentation. Twirl the spaghetti in the center of the bowl for a nice look. Top with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. A twist of black pepper adds a nice touch too. The key is to make the dish look as good as it tastes, inviting everyone to dig in. {{image_4}} You can easily add veggies to this dish. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Here are some great options: - Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end. It wilts quickly and adds color. - Bell Peppers: Chop and sauté bell peppers with onions for sweetness. - Zucchini: Slice zucchini thin and add it to the sauce. It cooks fast and blends well. - Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms for a meaty texture and earthy flavor. These veggies not only add nutrients but also make the dish more colorful and appealing. If you have dietary needs, don’t worry! You can adapt this recipe easily. - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti. Many brands offer great taste and texture. - Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. - Cheese Alternatives: Use a dairy-free cheese for topping. This way, you still get that creamy finish. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. If you want a different protein, consider these options. They work well in this creamy sauce. - Chicken: Use bite-sized pieces of chicken. Cook them until golden brown before adding the sauce. - Tofu: Firm tofu can be cubed and added for a vegetarian choice. Sauté until golden for better texture. - Scallops: If you love seafood, scallops make a great alternative. They cook quickly and add a sweet flavor. These options let you enjoy a new twist on this classic dish. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. After enjoying your spaghetti with shrimp in creamy tomato sauce, store any leftovers in a shallow container. Make sure the dish is cool before sealing it. This helps keep moisture inside. Use an airtight container to avoid any odors from your fridge. Leftovers can stay fresh for up to three days. Always label your containers with the date. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them gently will keep flavors intact. Use a skillet over low heat to warm the dish. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it creamy. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use the microwave, but cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save your spaghetti with shrimp for another day, freezing is a great option. Let the dish cool completely, then divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. Your dish can remain in the freezer for about three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it up. This keeps the texture and flavors fresh. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This way, you can cook them evenly. The taste and texture will still be great in your creamy tomato sauce. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with cornstarch. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Each option gives a different taste, but they can work well in the sauce. To make more servings, simply double the amount of all ingredients. For example, use 16 oz of spaghetti and 2 lbs of shrimp. Keep the same cooking times, but check the sauce to ensure it thickens well. You can add more seasoning to taste. This blog post covered making a tasty spaghetti dish with shrimp and creamy sauce. You learned about key ingredients and how they create flavor. We discussed cooking tips to get perfect shrimp and sauce. I shared variations to suit your diet needs and storage methods to keep your meal fresh. Remember, cooking is fun and easy. Try this dish and enjoy the taste!

Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Elevate your dinner with this delightful Spaghetti with Shrimp in Creamy Tomato Sauce recipe! This easy-to-follow guide combines succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta for a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish will impress everyone. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this delectable seafood pasta masterpiece at home!
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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, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente for the best texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, keeping about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

      Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat slightly and add the shrimp to the skillet, along with the red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through. Afterward, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

        Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, add the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

          Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, followed by the drained spaghetti. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy tomato sauce.

            Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust seasonings as necessary for a balanced flavor.

              Garnish: Serve the dish hot, adorned with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve the spaghetti in wide, shallow bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top, a twist of black pepper, and an extra dash of Parmesan cheese to create a visually appealing dish that’s just as delightful to look at as it is to eat.