Tagliatelle Blistered Tomato Basil with Shrimp

• 12 oz tagliatelle
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps

1. 1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tagliatelle according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. 2 While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. 3 In the same skillet, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 4 Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to blister and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
5. 5 Stir in chopped basil and lemon juice. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. 6 Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Add butter and toss again until melted and glossy.
7. 7 Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently heating through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. 8 Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon

Variations

• Add spinach or arugula for extra greens.
• Substitute shrimp with chicken or turkey sausage for a different protein.

Substitutions

• If tagliatelle isn't available, use fettuccine or linguine.
• For a vegetarian version, omit shrimp and add more vegetables.

Pairings

• A zesty pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
• Toasted ciabatta bread

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, use fresh herbs like basil and parsley straight from your garden if available.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Freezing: This dish does not freeze well due to the texture changes in shrimp and pasta.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• A glass of chilled white wine complements this dish beautifully.

FAQ