Creamy Argentinian Shrimp Pasta 🍤🍝

 

Creamy Argentinian Shrimp Pasta 🍤🍝

Servings: 1–2 | Prep time: 10 min | Cook time: 20 min

Ingredients:

• 12 medium shrimp, defrosted and peeled

• 1 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 2 small shallots, finely chopped

• 100 g grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 2–3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream

• 100 g dried pasta (spaghetti or linguine)

• Pasta cooking water, as needed

• Chives, finely chopped, for garnish

• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, sweet paprika

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry.

• Season generously with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika.

2. Cook the shrimp

• Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large pan over medium heat.

• Add the sliced garlic and seasoned shrimp.

• Baste the shrimp in the garlicky butter until pink and fully cooked, about 2–3 minutes per side.

• Remove the shrimp (and garlic slices if you like them crispy) from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the sauce base

• In the same pan, add the chopped shallots and finely chopped garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

• Add the halved tomatoes and cook until they start to break down and release their juices.

• Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. Finish the sauce

• Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.

• Season with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika to taste.

• Simmer gently until slightly thickened and silky.

5. Cook the pasta & combine

• Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.

• Transfer the pasta directly into the sauce.

• Add a splash of pasta cooking water and toss until the sauce becomes glossy and coats every strand.

6. Bring it all together

• Return the cooked shrimp (and garlic slices, if desired) to the pan.

• Toss lightly so the flavors meld together.

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Tips for Best Results:

• Choose Argentinian shrimp if possible—they’re naturally sweet and tender, making them a great lobster substitute.

• Use high-quality tomato paste for deeper flavor.

• Add pasta water gradually—it helps emulsify the sauce, making it creamy without becoming too thick.

• For extra richness, stir in a small knob of butter at the end.

• Garnish with fresh chives, basil, or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

• Want more heat? Add chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.