Name: 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 10 ounces linguini; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil; 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined); 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 cups passata or marinara sauce; 1/2 cube chicken bouillon (crushed); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided); 1 pinch granulated sugar; 2/3 cup milk or half-and-half; 1 handful grated Parmesan cheese (for serving); 1 pinch fresh parsley (for garnish)

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If you’re in the mood for a quick yet luxurious meal, look no further than this 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp. This dish brings together the richness of butter, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the succulent flavors of shrimp, all in a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp Stands Out

This recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special occasion. The combination of garlic and butter creates a fragrant base, while the creamy tomato sauce adds depth and richness. Plus, using shrimp means you have a protein-packed meal that cooks in a flash. Whether you are a busy professional, a parent juggling responsibilities, or just someone looking for a delightful dinner, this dish checks all the boxes.

What to Buy

10 ounces linguini: Any pasta can work, but linguini holds the sauce perfectly.
1 medium yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
6 cloves garlic: Freshly minced, for that aromatic kick.
1 pound raw jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience.
2 teaspoons dried basil: Adds a touch of herbaceous flavor.
1 teaspoon salt: To enhance the overall taste.
3 cups passata or marinara sauce: The star of the sauce; choose a quality brand.
1/2 chicken bouillon cube: Crushed, or 1 teaspoon stock powder for added depth.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish and freshness.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Divided, for seasoning.
1 pinch granulated sugar: To balance the acidity of tomatoes.
2/3 cup milk or half-and-half: For creaminess; heavy cream can also be used for a richer flavor.
1 handful grated Parmesan cheese: For serving, adds a salty finish.
1 pinch fresh parsley: For garnish to add a pop of color.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
Skillet: To cook the shrimp and sauce.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy in ingredients.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping the onion and parsley.

Stepwise Method: 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguini (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or heat olive oil). Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Increase the heat to medium-high, add the raw jumbo shrimp to the skillet, and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the 3 cups of passata or marinara sauce and add the crushed chicken bouillon cube (or stock powder), a pinch of sugar, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a minute.

Step 5: Add Creaminess

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then slowly stir in the 2/3 cup of milk or half-and-half. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy tomato garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Season-by-Season Upgrades

Spring: Add fresh asparagus or peas for a pop of color and texture.
Summer: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or zucchini for a fresh, seasonal touch.
Fall: Incorporate roasted butternut squash for a hint of sweetness.
Winter: Use spinach or kale for a heartier meal that packs in nutrients.

Learn from These Mistakes

Cooking shrimp too long can result in a rubbery texture. Remember, shrimp cooks very quickly!
Not reserving pasta water can make the sauce too thick. Always keep a bit on hand for adjustments.
Using canned tomato sauce that is too acidic? A pinch of sugar can balance the flavors beautifully.
Forget to season at each step? Layering flavors is key to a delicious dish!

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To store, let the creamy tomato garlic butter shrimp cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.

Ask the Chef

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking for even results. You can do this by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for pasta if I want a low-carb option?

If you’re looking for a low-carb option, zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or even cauliflower rice can be fantastic alternatives that pair well with the creamy sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Just store them separately, and cook the pasta fresh just before serving.

How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. Alternatively, you can also serve with a dash of hot sauce on the side.

Bring It to the Table

This 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp is not just a meal; it’s an experience. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. Gather your loved ones, enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen, and dig into this deliciously satisfying dish that perfectly combines comfort and class!

This dish encapsulates everything you love about cooking: it’s quick, it’s easy, and it celebrates the joy of good food shared with good company. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!