Shrimp and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

Fast-cooking shrimp and cherry tomatoes make this seafood pasta a breeze to prepare.

By Anna Theoktisto

Gallery

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Recipe Summary

active:
25 mins
total:
25 mins
Servings:
4
Advertisement
Skip to Recipe

Two summer favorites in one: tomatoes and shrimp. Whole cherry tomatoes are cooked on the stove top until they gently burst, creating the base for an effortless sauce. A mix of both yellow and red cherry tomatoes add contrast to the dish, especially when the dish is finished with fresh basil. The Parmesan brings the entire dish together, blending with reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. The key is to buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself, as the pre-grated kind can clump and won't melt to create a smooth sauce. Some say cheese and seafood shouldn't mix, but this recipe is a pretty compelling reason for why they go together. 

Ingredients

Directions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and add to skillet. Cook, stirring often, until shrimp are cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate; set aside. 

    Advertisement

  • Heat remaining 4 tablespoons oil in same skillet over medium-high. Add garlic, and cook, stirring often, until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are tender and release their juices, about 14 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain spaghetti, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

  • Add shrimp and any accumulated juices to tomatoes, and cook over medium. Add cooked spaghetti, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce clings to pasta. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve with additional Parmesan, if desired.

Advertisement
© Copyright 2022 Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com 08/16/2022