Delightful Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Easy Homemade Shrimp and Tomato Pasta Recipe Using Jarred Sauce (with Fresh Tomatoes, Arugula, and Parmesan)
Today, I’ll show you how to make a delicious Shrimp and Tomato Pasta that’s perfect for a solo meal or a satisfying lunch! Since we’re using a store-bought tomato pasta sauce, it’s incredibly easy to make without any complicated seasoning. I’ve also added fresh tomatoes from my fridge, button mushrooms, plump shrimp, and flavorful sausages to make this Shrimp and Tomato Pasta extra special. Garnished with fresh arugula and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, it looks as good as it tastes – truly a flavor explosion! You won’t miss restaurant-quality pasta with this recipe. Remember this fantastic combination of fresh tomatoes, shrimp, arugula, and Parmesan cheese when making your next tomato pasta; it’s the key to unlocking a luxurious taste experience at home. This recipe offers a tip for enjoying a sophisticated flavor, perfect for any occasion.
For Cooking the Pasta- Spaghetti 85g
- Water 1L
- Coarse Salt 1/2 Tbsp
Main and Additional Ingredients- Fresh Tomato 1/4
- Onion 1/4
- Bell Pepper 1/4
- Button Mushrooms 3
- Garlic 4 cloves
- Olive Oil 2 Tbsp
- Frankfurter Sausage 1
- Frozen Shrimp 8
Sauce and Garnish Ingredients- Jarred Tomato Pasta Sauce 13 Tbsp (approx. 175g)
- Pasta Water 2 Ladles (approx. 130g)
- Fresh Arugula 6 leaves
- Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, grated, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- Fresh Tomato 1/4
- Onion 1/4
- Bell Pepper 1/4
- Button Mushrooms 3
- Garlic 4 cloves
- Olive Oil 2 Tbsp
- Frankfurter Sausage 1
- Frozen Shrimp 8
Sauce and Garnish Ingredients- Jarred Tomato Pasta Sauce 13 Tbsp (approx. 175g)
- Pasta Water 2 Ladles (approx. 130g)
- Fresh Arugula 6 leaves
- Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, grated, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh arugula thoroughly under running water. Gently pat it dry with paper towels. This ensures it stays fresh and looks appealing when used as a garnish.
Step 2
Rinse the garlic cloves and slice each one into two pieces. Finely julienne the onion and bell pepper. Chop the button mushrooms, fresh tomato, and sausage into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the frozen shrimp under cold water to thaw. Having all ingredients prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 3
In a pot, add 1 liter of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling vigorously, add 1/2 tablespoon of coarse salt, then add the spaghetti. Stir immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 4
Refer to the pasta package for exact cooking time, but typically, cooking for about 8 minutes in boiling water will yield perfectly al dente pasta. While it cooks, stir the spaghetti occasionally with tongs or chopsticks to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Aim for ‘al dente’ for the best texture.
Step 5
After 8 minutes of cooking, drain the pasta using a colander. Crucially, reserve about one ladleful of the pasta cooking water! This starchy water is liquid gold for your sauce, helping it emulsify beautifully and achieve the perfect consistency.
Step 6
Now, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden brown. This step infuses the oil with a wonderful garlic flavor, forming the base of our sauce’s aroma.
Step 7
When the garlic turns a nice golden color on both sides, add the julienned onion, chopped tomato, mushrooms, bell pepper, and sausage to the skillet. Sauté lightly to coat everything in the flavorful garlic oil. This quick sauté brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and sausage.
Step 8
Once the other ingredients are lightly sautéed, add the thawed shrimp to the skillet. Cook just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Step 9
As the shrimp begin to turn pink, pour in 13 tablespoons (approximately 175g) of your favorite jarred tomato pasta sauce. Using a good quality store-bought sauce makes this recipe incredibly convenient while still delivering rich flavor.
Step 10
Next, add 2 ladles (approximately 130g) of the reserved pasta water to the sauce. Stir gently for about 50 seconds until the sauce simmers and thickens slightly. The pasta water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully.
Step 11
Once the sauce has reached a lovely consistency, add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce.
Step 12
Reduce the heat to medium and toss the pasta with the sauce for about 1 minute, ensuring every strand is well coated and the sauce is absorbed. This final cooking step allows the pasta to fully integrate with the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 13
To plate, use long chopsticks or a fork to twirl the pasta into neat portions directly onto your serving plate. This creates an attractive presentation.
Step 14
Arrange the saucy pasta on the plate, making sure to include plenty of the delicious ingredients. Garnish with fresh arugula leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Finally, grate a generous amount of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top and finish with a crack of black pepper. Your beautiful Shrimp and Tomato Pasta is ready to be enjoyed!
