Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This shrimp marinara sauce recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a fantastic example of how easy homemade cooking can be, delivering a restaurant-quality dish without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time. This recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and is easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely when sautéed. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can quickly become bitter.
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Build the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye on them!
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Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve the shrimp marinara sauce over your favorite cooked pasta.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Marinara:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your dish will taste. Fresh herbs make a significant difference!
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch more or use a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add vegetables: Enhance your sauce with extra vegetables like chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the tomatoes.
Variations:
- Lemon Shrimp Marinara: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Creamy Shrimp Marinara: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy Shrimp Marinara: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on pasta and serving size)
- Protein: Around 25-30 grams
- Fat: Around 15-20 grams
This easy shrimp marinara sauce recipe is a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition. It's a healthy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and adaptable to suit your preferences. Enjoy!