Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta 🍅🍤🔥 Briny, Bold, and Coated in a Rich, Velvety Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish brings together the sweet bite of shrimp, the richness of cream, and the bright tang of tomato in one luxurious pasta. It’s fast, punchy, and totally satisfying — like a spicy vodka sauce with more ocean energy and less fuss.

When you want something comforting but crave real flavor depth, this is your move.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes or passata
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Optional: splash of dry white wine or pinch of sugar to balance acidity

To finish

• 1–2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil
• Extra Parmesan for topping
• Optional: drizzle of olive oil or chili oil

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sear the shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the sauce
In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Simmer
Add crushed tomatoes and wine or pasta water if using. Let simmer 3–4 minutes to reduce. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Simmer 2 minutes more until glossy and slightly thickened. Season to taste.

Step 5: Combine and toss
Return pasta and shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together, loosening with pasta water as needed. Sauce should coat everything smoothly.

Step 6: Serve hot
Top with herbs, extra cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil or chili oil. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

• Swap shrimp for scallops or seared salmon
• Add baby spinach, arugula, or kale for greens
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for depth
• Use vodka instead of wine for a spicy vodka-style riff
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or Calabrian chili paste for extra heat

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they’ll finish gently in the sauce
• Toast the tomato paste — it deepens flavor quickly
• Use pasta water to control thickness and help the sauce cling
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and emulsifies the sauce
• Zest the lemon before juicing — easier and more aromatic

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta hits that perfect pasta night note: rich, spicy, and just a little fancy without trying too hard. It’s seafood comfort with edge — fast enough for a weeknight, bold enough for a dinner party.

Sear the shrimp. Swirl the sauce. Fork up every briny, creamy bite. 🍅🍤🔥

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

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🧀 Sauce Styles

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• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
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• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.