Shrimp And Tomato Cream Pasta

Name: Shrimp And Tomato Cream Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400g spaghetti or fettuccine; 300g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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I have always loved pasta, and this Shrimp and Tomato Cream Pasta recipe has become a favorite of mine for quick weeknight dinners. The rich, creamy sauce with fresh tomatoes and succulent shrimp just sings with flavor. It’s easy to prepare and takes under 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, when I serve this dish, the vibrant colors and tantalizing scents never fail to impress my family and friends. Give it a try, and I bet it will become one of your go-to meals too!

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:25:37.442Z

Creating this Shrimp and Tomato Cream Pasta was a delightful experience for me. As I sautéed the garlic and tomatoes, the fragrant aroma filled my kitchen, setting the stage for a delicious meal. The balance of flavors is complemented by the cream, which makes the dish wonderfully indulgent without being overwhelming.

One tip I discovered is to use high-quality shrimp, as it elevates the entire dish. I recommend sourcing fresh or frozen shrimp that is sustainably caught, ensuring both flavor and environmental consciousness. Using a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency really ties everything together beautifully.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy texture that coats each strand of pasta
Succulent shrimp that adds protein and flavor
Bursting with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes

Mastering the Sauce

The sauce for this Shrimp and Tomato Cream Pasta is where the magic happens. As you simmer the heavy cream with the shrimp and tomatoes, you'll want to keep an eye on the heat. Medium heat is ideal for allowing the flavors to develop without boiling the cream, which can cause it to separate. You want a smooth, glossy sauce that clings to the pasta. If the sauce looks too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer until it thickens to your liking.

When adding the cherry tomatoes, don't rush the cooking process. Allow them to soften and release their juices, which will blend beautifully with the cream, enhancing the dish's overall flavor. The burst of sweetness from the tomatoes balances the richness of the cream, creating a delightful harmony. If you can, use high-quality cherry tomatoes, as their flavor will make a noticeable difference.

Perfect Pasta Preparation

For the pasta, I recommend using either spaghetti or fettuccine, depending on your texture preference. Fettuccine offers a slightly thicker bite, which holds up well against the creamy sauce. Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. A good rule of thumb is to check the package for cooking times but taste a strand about one minute before the time is up to ensure perfect texture.

Remember to reserve pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid can be a lifesaver when adjusting the sauce's consistency. If you find the sauce thickens too much while cooking, adding a few tablespoons of this water can help you reach that silky smooth finish.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, presentation plays a big role in making this dish even more appealing. I like to twirl the pasta onto the plate and then drizzle a bit of the creamy sauce over the top before garnishing. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few basil leaves not only add flavor but also bring a pop of color that elevates the dish visually.

If you’re looking to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This adds a gentle warmth that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes without overpowering the dish. For a fresh touch, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavor, making this dish feel vibrant and fresh.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious meal:

Ingredients

400g spaghetti or fettuccine
300g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure all ingredients are prepped before starting.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Shrimp And Tomato Cream Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Cream

Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they soften. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

Using high-quality shrimp and fresh tomatoes will significantly enhance this dish. Adjust the cream to your taste, and feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of heavy cream or looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt (whisked until smooth) for a tangy twist. This will result in a slightly less rich sauce but still provide a creamy texture. Just be cautious with the heat after adding yogurt to avoid curdling.

For a seafood twist, try adding scallops alongside the shrimp or even substituting the shrimp completely for a firm white fish like cod or haddock. Adjust the cooking time accordingly; fish only requires about 2-3 minutes per side until it flakes easily with a fork.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Shrimp and Tomato Cream Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prepare components ahead of time, consider cooking the shrimp and sauce in advance. Store them separately from the pasta in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat before adding the cooked pasta.

For meal prepping, divide the pasta and sauce into individual servings and store them in airtight containers. You can freeze the sauce for up to a month, but I recommend undercooking the shrimp slightly before freezing. They will cook completely during reheating, ensuring they don’t become rubbery.

Cooking Troubleshooting

If you find that your sauce is too thick after combining with the pasta, don't fret. Gradually add tablespoons of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer over low heat to allow it to reduce and thicken up nicely without burning.

In case your shrimp seem tough or overcooked, it's likely they were cooked at too high a temperature or for too long. The telltale sign of perfectly cooked shrimp is a pink color with a slight 'C' shape. If the shrimp are crispy or hard, aim to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well too! Just make sure to thaw and dry them well before cooking.

→ What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.