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Creamy Shrimp Rose Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 116 reviews

Creamy Shrimp Rose Pasta is a quick and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a creamy tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly al-dente pasta and finished with parmesan cheese and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. This easy skillet recipe combines rich flavors and a smooth texture for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Pasta

  • 1/2 lb (15-16) large shrimp, deveined and peeled
  • 200 g spaghetti or your choice of pasta

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 dried red chili, crushed
  • 1/2 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and cook pasta: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the pasta until it is just shy of al-dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics and vegetables: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in red pepper flakes, then add the sliced onion and diced tomato. Cook the mixture for about a minute until the vegetables soften.
  3. Cook shrimp and build sauce: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they start to turn opaque but are not fully cooked. Then add the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  4. Combine pasta and cheese: Add the drained pasta and grated cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the shrimp are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle with parsley flakes for a fresh garnish. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • To thaw frozen shrimp, submerge them in cold water for about 10 minutes until completely thawed, then pat dry to remove excess water prior to seasoning.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese adds a sharper flavor while mozzarella creates a milder, creamier finish.
  • This recipe serves 2 but quantities can be scaled up easily.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the creamy sauce.

Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, rose pasta, easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, Italian pasta recipe