If there's one thing most food lovers can agree on, it's that pasta is the unrivalled king of comfort food. And when you combine it with the delightful trio of shrimp, tomato, and basil, it becomes a party for your palate that is sure to make your taste buds do a happy salsa.
When these three characters – shrimp, tomato, and basil – come together, magic happens. It's like a Shakespearean play unfolding in our mouths. The shrimp leads the way with its delicate sweetness, inviting the tomato to bring a burst of vibrant flavor. Meanwhile, basil adds a punch of freshness that makes the dish sing sweet melodies in our mouths.
So, shrimp, tomato, and basil pasta is not just a simple recipe; it's a story of culinary romance. It's about three quirky ingredients who found love in each other's flavours, forming a knitted bond that leaves us wanting more. So next time you're in the mood for a quirky love triangle on your plate, give this dish a whirl.
Prep Time: 10-15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
700g medium sized shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined (tails removed)
6 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
400g tinned chopped tomatoes
475ml water
20-25 cherry tomatoes, halved
450g dried tagliatelle or pasta of your choice
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 4 teaspoons of the olive oil over a high h eat. Add the shrimp and cook until opaque throughout, turning occasionally for about three minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
2. To make the sauce: To the same skillet, add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil and add the garlic. cook over a medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the canned tomatoes and their juice, along with the water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat, simmer, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened, about 15 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cherry tomatoes.
4. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling water, cook the tagliatelle until el dente, according to the packet instructions. Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Add the tomato sauce, shrimp and basil.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with more basil leaves, if desired.