15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp

When life gets busy, it’s essential to have quick and delicious recipes up your sleeve. Enter the 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich and creamy tomato garlic sauce, all served over a bed of pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is not just quick; it’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Why Cooks Rave About It

The beauty of this 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp lies in its simplicity and speed. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a gourmet meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The combination of garlic, butter, and creamy tomato sauce envelops the shrimp perfectly, creating a dish that is both comforting and luxurious. Plus, with ingredients you likely have on hand, there’s little to stop you from diving into this delightful meal any night of the week!

The Essentials

To create this scrumptious dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 10 ounces linguini (dry weight, or any pasta of choice)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 3 cups passata or marinara sauce
• 1/2 chicken bouillon cube, crushed, or 1 teaspoon stock powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 1 pinch granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup milk or half and half or heavy cream
• 1 handful parmesan cheese, grated, to serve
• 1 pinch fresh parsley to serve

Toolbox for This Recipe

To make the cooking process smooth and efficient, ensure you have the following tools ready:

• Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Skillet: For sautéing the shrimp and making the sauce.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.

From Start to Finish: 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguini (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp to the skillet. Season them with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and the dried basil. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the passata or marinara sauce, and add the crushed bouillon cube or stock powder, granulated sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors meld.

Step 5: Add Creaminess

Lower the heat slightly and pour in the milk (or cream). Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained linguini to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese over the top. Serve hot, garnished with an additional pinch of parsley for a fresh touch.

Substitutions by Diet

If you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, here are some substitutions you can make:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of linguini.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond milk or coconut milk and use dairy-free parmesan cheese.
• Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Vegetarian: Omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.

Things That Go Wrong

Even the best recipes can have their hiccups. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Shrimp Overcooked: Keep a close eye when cooking the shrimp; they only need a few minutes to cook through. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
• Too Thick Sauce: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
• Undercooked Pasta: Always follow the pasta package instructions for cooking times to ensure it’s cooked just right.
• Flavorless Sauce: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving!

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure that you thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. It’s best to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker thaw.

What can I substitute for passata?

You can use canned crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, or even tomato puree as a substitute. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will still work wonderfully.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

Can I make this dish in advance?

While the 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and add cooked shrimp and pasta when ready to serve.

Next Up in Your Queue

If you loved this recipe, check out these delightful options for your next meal:

• Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon
• One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
• Pasta Primavera with Garlic Cream Sauce
• Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Cream

See You at the Table

The 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp is not only a time-saver but also a dish that brings everyone together at the table. The rich flavors and creamy textures will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a meal that will impress without the stress. Happy cooking!