If you’re on the hunt for a light yet flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce Recipe is the answer. This vibrant meal highlights tender shrimp swimming in a luscious, garlicky tomato-basil sauce, perfectly coating delicate strands of angel hair pasta. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat, this dish presents a seamless blend of fresh ingredients that celebrate simplicity and big, bold flavors all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of fresh and pantry staples, this recipe is a testament to how uncomplicated ingredients can shine when combined thoughtfully. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color, crafting a harmonious dish you’ll adore.
- Angel hair pasta (8-12 ounces): Delicate strands that cook quickly and carry sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fruity richness and helps infuse garlic flavors.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant, savory punch to the sauce base.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch adds warmth without overpowering.
- Roma or plum tomatoes (7 medium, seeded and chopped): The heart of the sauce, offering freshness and natural sweetness.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Enhances the sauce depth and ensures a silky texture.
- Medium raw shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Tender, juicy seafood that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with pasta.
- Salted butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches and smooths the sauce for a luscious finish.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds brightness and a heavenly herbal note.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, for serving): Adds umami and melts slightly over the warm pasta.
How to Make Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Perfect Angel Hair Pasta
The journey to deliciousness begins by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking angel hair pasta takes mere minutes—just 3 to 4 until al dente—so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Don’t toss out the pasta water once drained; we’ll use half a cup later to bring everything together with a silky finish.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but hasn’t browned. This is the magical moment where aromas develop, setting the stage for the rest of the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer Tomatoes and Broth
Add the seeded, chopped tomatoes along with chicken broth to the skillet. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer gently for around 5 minutes, which allows the tomatoes to break down and blend with the broth, creating a vibrant and slightly chunky sauce base that feels fresh and summery.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Now nestle your shrimp into the tomato sauce. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning halfway through so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely pink and curl slightly but stay juicy and tender. This step infuses the shrimp with the sauce’s bright flavors, making every bite burst with taste.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the salted butter and freshly chopped basil. The butter melts into the sauce, rounding out sharp edges and adding richness, while the basil brings a fresh, fragrant finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if you’d like a little more punch.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained angel hair pasta directly into the skillet. Use the reserved pasta water, adding a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and ensure every strand is glossy and coated to perfection. This step ties everything together, creating a harmonious, saucy dish you can’t wait to dive into.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce Recipe with extra fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to amplify flavors and add that irresistible salty finish. Serve immediately for the best experience, as the pasta holds its delicate texture and sauce flavor most beautifully right away.
How to Serve Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan are your go-to garnishes here. The basil adds a pop of vibrant green and herbaceous brightness, while the Parmesan brings a delightful, savory nuttiness that complements the shrimp and tomato so well. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the dish with a silky sheen.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness of the pasta with refreshing acidity. Garlic bread or focaccia also make excellent companions if you’re craving something to soak up every last bit of that tomato-basil sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers like basil blossoms or microgreens. Alternatively, toss in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts on top for added bursts of texture and flavor that will delight guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the pasta and shrimp mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate. For best quality, consume within 2 days since the pasta might absorb more sauce and the shrimp texture can change over time.
Freezing
While the sauce freezes well, shrimp and pasta tend to become a bit rubbery or mushy after freezing and thawing. If you want to freeze, separate the sauce from the pasta and shrimp, freeze sauce alone in a sealed container for up to 3 months, and cook fresh pasta and shrimp when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat to preserve shrimp tenderness. Adding a splash of water or broth while warming ensures the sauce stays smooth. Avoid the microwave if possible for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just fine as long as you thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the sauce.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt if you want to keep this recipe lighter or vegetarian-friendly, though broth adds extra depth.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to give your Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce Recipe a nice spicy kick.
How do I prevent my angel hair pasta from clumping?
Be sure to cook it just al dente, drain promptly, and toss it quickly with sauce or a little olive oil to keep the strands separate and silky.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the tomato-basil sauce base in advance and gently reheat it when ready to add the shrimp and pasta for a quick finish without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet tried the Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce Recipe, now is the perfect time. It’s a delightful balance of fresh, comforting flavors with a touch of elegance, and I guarantee it will become a go-to in your recipe rotation. So grab your skillet, prep those ingredients, and get ready for a meal that feels like a special treat yet comes together so simply.
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Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta recipe features tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful tomato and garlic sauce, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. Finished with fresh basil and Parmesan, it’s a quick and elegant seafood pasta dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8–12 ounces angel hair pasta (cooked and drained)
Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 7 medium roma or plum tomatoes (seeded and roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Protein and Garnish
- 1 pound medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 3-4 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the sauce base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Simmer tomatoes and broth: Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop the sauce.
- Cook the shrimp: Nestle the peeled and deveined shrimp into the simmering sauce. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning halfway through, until the shrimp turns pink but remains tender.
- Finish the sauce: Add butter and chopped fresh basil to the skillet. Stir until the butter melts completely. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet and toss to coat well in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water little by little to moisten the pasta to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp mixture and garnish with extra chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency and binds the pasta and sauce together better.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
