If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant pasta dinner, this Easy Creamy Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe delivers everything you love about Italian-style cooking in one simple dish. Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a silky tomato-based cream sauce come together quickly, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
This shrimp spaghetti is rich without being heavy, full of flavor but easy to prepare, and made with everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe
There are plenty of reasons this dish earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
- Quick and practical: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Restaurant-quality flavor: Creamy tomato sauce with garlic and shrimp tastes luxurious but is easy to master.
- Family-friendly: Mild, comforting flavors that appeal to adults and kids alike.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with spices, vegetables, or lighter ingredient swaps.
- Perfect balance: The acidity of tomatoes cuts through the cream for a smooth, well-rounded sauce.
This recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying when combined thoughtfully.
Ingredients for Easy Creamy Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe
Main Ingredients
- Spaghetti – 1 pound
- Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 12 ounces
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves – 2, finely minced
- Tomato purée or crushed tomatoes – 4 cups
- Heavy cream – ¼ cup
- Fresh parsley – finely chopped, for garnish
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Red pepper flakes – optional, for gentle heat
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Shrimp: Medium or large shrimp work best. Frozen shrimp are fine—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Cream substitute: Use half-and-half or light cream for a lighter sauce, or coconut cream for a dairy-free option with a subtle sweetness.
- Alcohol-free cooking: If a recipe traditionally uses brandy or wine, replace it with low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth plus a small splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Pasta swaps: Linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free spaghetti all work well with this sauce.
- Extra vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added without overpowering the shrimp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2 – Sauté the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to avoid overcooking.
Step 3 – Build the Flavor Base
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4 – Add the Tomato Sauce
Pour the tomato purée into the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 8–10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
Step 5 – Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix gently until the sauce becomes smooth and lightly pink. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6 – Return Shrimp to the Pan
Add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes, just until warmed through.
Step 7 – Combine with Pasta
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato shrimp sauce. Use a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
Step 8 – Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them early and add them back at the end for tender results.
- Salt your pasta water well: This is your main chance to season the pasta itself.
- Simmer, don’t boil, the sauce: Gentle heat prevents the cream from separating.
- Use good-quality tomatoes: A smooth, flavorful tomato base makes a big difference.
- Finish in the pan: Tossing pasta directly in the sauce helps it absorb flavor better.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Increase garlic to 4 cloves for deeper flavor.
- Herb-Forward: Add fresh basil or oregano along with parsley.
- Veggie-Loaded: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Creamy Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides:
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or warm crusty bread
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
- A light tomato and cucumber salad
For casual dinners, serve straight from the pan. For entertaining, plate with extra parsley and a twist of black pepper for a polished presentation.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze perfectly, but you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly for best texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Easy Creamy Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and cook the pasta fresh before serving for best texture.
What size shrimp is best for this recipe?
Medium or large shrimp work best because they stay juicy and are easy to bite into with pasta.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cooking cream for similar richness.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. Simply skip the red pepper flakes for a mild, creamy tomato sauce that kids usually enjoy.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of purée?
You can, but blend them first for a smoother sauce. Purée creates a more classic creamy texture.
Easy Creamy Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
- colander
- wooden spoon or tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 4 cups tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato purée. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce becomes smooth and lightly pink.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and simmer 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Tomato Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, quick steps, and rich, satisfying flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this creamy shrimp pasta delivers warmth, balance, and classic Italian-inspired goodness every time.