A Historical Overview of Italian Shrimp Pasta
Italian shrimp pasta reflects the coastal traditions of southern Italy, where seafood and pasta are everyday staples. Shrimp dishes are especially common in regions along the Tyrrhenian Sea, where fishermen brought in fresh catches daily. While many Italian pasta recipes use simple olive oil and garlic, the addition of tomatoes and herbs like oregano and basil gave birth to the vibrant sauces we love today. Italian-American kitchens later embraced this dish, creating a hearty yet light pasta meal that celebrates both authentic Mediterranean flavors and modern comfort food.
Italian Shrimp Pasta – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Italian Shrimp Pasta is fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. The juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic and olive oil, then tossed with pasta, tomatoes, and fresh basil for a rustic, homestyle dish. It’s hearty but not heavy, making it an ideal recipe for spring and summer dining. Finished with Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes, this dish is both simple and elegant, sure to impress family or dinner guests.
Ingredients
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8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
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1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
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Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Return shrimp to the skillet.
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Stir in fresh basil, then garnish with Parmesan before serving
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the tomato sauce
Use cherry tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher flavor
Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this dish with fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! About 2 cups of cherry or Roma tomatoes work perfectly. Just sauté them longer until they break down into a sauce-like consistency.
2. What pasta works best with shrimp pasta?
Spaghetti and linguine are traditional, but penne or rigatoni also work well if you prefer a chunkier bite that holds the sauce better.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Store them separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving for the best texture and flavor.
