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A delicious quick shrimp pasta dinner, freshly prepared and plated.

Classic Quick Shrimp Pasta Dinner

This classic quick shrimp pasta dinner is a delightful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a flavorful tomato-garlic sauce, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet or pan

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz linguine or your favorite pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth for deglazing
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained or 1 pint fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat

Optional Additions for Upgrades

  • parmesan cheese
  • lemon
  • spinach
  • sun-dried tomatoes
  • capers
  • fresh basil

Instructions
 

Boil the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining and setting aside the pasta.

Sauté the Shrimp

  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink; remove and set aside.

Build the Sauce

  • In the same pan, cook minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add white wine or chicken broth to deglaze and simmer for 1 minute.

Add Tomatoes & Simmer

  • Stir in diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using); simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine & Finish

  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

Return Shrimp & Garnish

  • Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the pasta, season with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end, or garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil.