Share This
Hi there, it’s Jo-Anna from A Pretty Life, back to share another delicious recipe! After that sweet Vanilla Cake, I thought it was time for something savory and satisfying. This Creamy Tomato & Basil Shrimp Pasta is one of those dinners that feels a little fancy, but it’s actually super simple to make. The sauce is rich and flavorful—loaded with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, a splash of white wine, and a touch of cream. Toss in some tender shrimp and spaghetti, and you’ve got a cozy weeknight dinner that comes together in about an hour. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell amazing.
Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that feels fancy but doesn’t take much effort. This one nails it. The sauce tastes like it simmered for hours, but it comes together in the time it takes to cook pasta. It’s cozy enough for a night in, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. And let’s be honest—anything that combines shrimp, cream, tomatoes, and white wine is bound to be a hit.
Plus, it’s incredibly flexible. Want to swap in linguine or fettuccine? Go for it. Craving a little extra heat? Add more red pepper flakes. It’s the kind of meal that earns a spot in your regular rotation without ever feeling routine.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Pasta
This dish is all about simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something special. Here’s what makes the magic happen:
- Shrimp – Tender, juicy shrimp are the star of the show. Use pre-cooked and deveined shrimp to save time.
- Fresh Tomatoes – Chopped tomatoes add brightness and a natural sweetness to the creamy sauce.
- Garlic & Onion – The classic flavor base that gives the sauce depth and warmth.
- Basil – Fresh basil brings a pop of color and a sweet, peppery finish.
- White Wine – A splash of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay adds just the right amount of acidity and fruitiness to balance the cream. It’s also the perfect wine to serve alongside.
- Heavy Cream – Just a bit creates that dreamy, velvety texture in the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes – For a gentle kick that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese – A little sprinkle on top pulls everything together with a salty, nutty finish.
- Spaghetti Noodles – Long strands that soak up every bit of that luscious tomato-basil sauce.
How to Make Creamy Tomato & Basil Shrimp Pasta
This dish comes together in about 30 minutes and feels like a little weeknight luxury. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a mix of butter and olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add red pepper flakes, chopped tomatoes, a generous spoonful of fresh basil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a splash of white wine. Let the sauce simmer until it reduces slightly and the flavors come together.
While that’s happening, boil your spaghetti noodles until al dente. Once the tomato mixture has thickened, toss in the shrimp and cook just until warmed through. Finish the sauce with a swirl of heavy cream to make it rich and velvety. Then toss everything together with the pasta, and top with freshly grated parmesan and a little extra basil. We will dive into the full recipe and steps down below!
Creamy Tomato & Basil Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Recipe Type:
Entree
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
4
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (cooked and deveined)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup white wine (Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay)
- salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- spaghetti noodles
- fresh parmesan for garnish
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil, and saute the onions and garlic until soft.
- Add the red pepper flakes, fresh basil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, chopped tomatoes, white wine and salt & pepper.
- Cook until the liquid is reduced to half.
- While the tomato mixture is simmering, boil the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions.
- Once the tomato mixture is done simmering, add the shrimp, and cook until the shrimp have warmed through, just a few minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes.
- Toss the tomato and shrimp sauce with spaghetti noodles.
- Garnish with fresh parmesan and fresh basil.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
This creamy tomato and basil shrimp pasta deserves a wine that can balance its richness and brighten the fresh flavors. Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay is a perfect match. It’s widely recognized as one of the best Chardonnays under $20, offering crisp citrus notes and a touch of oak that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and tender shrimp.
For a lighter option, Kendall-Jackson’s Sauvignon Blanc wines bring refreshing acidity and herbal hints that complement the basil and tomatoes without overpowering the dish. Either way, choosing a wine from Kendall-Jackson’s portfolio is an easy way to take this meal from simple to special.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the sauce to avoid excess moisture.
What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Spaghetti is a classic choice, but linguine or fettuccine also work great since their shapes hold the creamy sauce nicely.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still taste delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes a small amount of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, but you can adjust to your taste by adding more or leaving it out altogether.
