We’ve always loved how a simple pasta dish can transform into something extraordinary, and our Royal Red Shrimp Pasta recipe does just that. Hailing from the Gulf’s deep waters, these sweet and succulent shrimp bring a touch of coastal elegance to your table, blending rich flavors with ease.
What makes this recipe a favorite in our kitchen is its perfect balance of fresh ingredients and quick prep. Whether you’re impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, we’ll guide you through creating a meal that’s as delightful as it is straightforward.
Ingredients
We carefully select these essential ingredients to bring our Royal Red Shrimp Pasta to life, ensuring every element enhances the dish’s sweet, succulent flavors and quick preparation.
To prepare this recipe, we’ll start with the seafood and build from there. Here’s the complete list, organized by order of use:
- Royal Red Shrimp: 1 pound, fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined for easy cooking and to highlight their tender texture.
- Pasta: 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti, dried and cooked al dente to provide the perfect base for the shrimp.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced for aromatic depth that infuses the sauce early in the process.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin, used for sautéing to add a rich, fruity note.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved, added next for a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- White Wine: ½ cup, dry variety, incorporated to deglaze and create a flavorful sauce.
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped, stirred in towards the end for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated, reserved for topping to add a nutty, savory contrast.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, seasoned throughout for balanced flavors.
For optimal results, we recommend sourcing Royal Red Shrimp from the Gulf for their exceptional sweetness, as highlighted in our recipe’s foundation. If you’d like to adjust for dietary needs, note that this yields 4 servings based on standard portions.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Royal Red Shrimp Pasta to life seamlessly, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficient preparation and cooking. Having the right equipment on hand allows us to handle the ingredients—from boiling the linguine to sautéing the succulent shrimp—with precision and ease, maintaining the dish’s fresh flavors and quick cook time.
Here’s a breakdown of the key tools we recommend:
- Large Stock Pot: We use this for boiling the pasta to achieve that perfect al dente texture. Opt for one that holds at least 8 quarts to accommodate 8 ounces of linguine without overflow.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: A 12-inch non-stick skillet works best for searing the Royal Red Shrimp and creating the flavorful sauce with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and white wine, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: We need a sturdy cutting board paired with a sharp chef’s knife to mince garlic and chop fresh basil quickly, minimizing prep time.
- Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta, this helps us avoid watery results that could dilute the dish’s vibrant tastes.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for ingredients like olive oil and wine, so we always reach for a set to keep our recipe consistent.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: We use these for safely handling the shrimp and tossing the pasta, preventing breakage and ensuring the shrimp retain their sweet, tender quality.
| Tool | Primary Use | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Large Stock Pot | Boiling pasta | $20–$50 |
| Skillet or Frying Pan | Searing shrimp and making sauce | $15–$40 |
| Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife | Prepping ingredients | $10–$30 (board) / $15–$50 (knife) |
| Colander | Draining pasta | $5–$15 |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Measuring liquids and spices | $5–$15 |
| Tongs or Slotted Spoon | Handling food | $5–$20 |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through creating our flavorful Royal Red Shrimp Pasta step by step for a quick and impressive meal.
Prep
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything comes together smoothly. Begin by thawing 1 pound of Royal Red Shrimp if frozen then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps achieve a perfect sear. Next, mince 2 cloves of garlic and halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes for a burst of juicy sweetness. Chop ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves coarsely to release their aromatic oils and grate ½ cup of Parmesan cheese for a nutty finish. Measure out 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti and set aside along with ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, ½ cup of dry white wine, and seasonings like 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. With these steps complete, our ingredients are ready to transform into a vibrant dish that highlights the sweet succulence of Royal Red Shrimp.
Cook
Now we move to the stovetop where the magic happens—cooking each element to enhance flavors and textures. First, bring a large stock pot of salted water to a boil and add the 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti; cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain using a colander and set aside to retain its firm bite. In a skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and add the minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Add the 1 pound of Royal Red Shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, allowing their natural sweetness from the Gulf to shine through with a slight char. Push the shrimp aside and stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and ½ cup of dry white wine; simmer for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the wine reduces into a light sauce that fills the air with irresistible aromas.
Assemble
Finally, we bring it all together for a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that makes our Royal Red Shrimp Pasta irresistible. Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, stirring gently for 1-2 minutes to coat the pasta evenly and let the flavors meld. Sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste for a fresh, savory kick. Serve immediately in warm bowls, where the plump Royal Red Shrimp contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta and vibrant sauce, creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and full of coastal-inspired delight.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Royal Red Shrimp Pasta even more convenient for busy weeknights or entertaining, we can prepare several components in advance without compromising the dish’s fresh flavors and vibrant appeal. This approach allows us to focus on the joy of cooking and serving, ensuring that our sweet and succulent Royal Red Shrimp remains the star.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend starting with the ingredients that hold up well to advance preparation. Begin by thawing and drying the Royal Red Shrimp if it’s frozen—place it in the refrigerator overnight for safe defrosting. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect sear later.
For the vegetables and herbs, we can prep them up to 24 hours in advance:
- Mince 4 cloves of garlic and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and keep them in a sealed bag or container to prevent sogginess.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, but wait to add them until just before serving to preserve their aroma and color.
Partial Cooking and Assembly Tips
Certain elements of the recipe can be partially cooked ahead to streamline the final steps. For instance, we can cook the pasta al dente and store it separately, as overcooking leads to a mushy texture.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Step | Instructions | Storage Method | Maximum Time Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook Pasta | Boil 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking. | Toss with a little olive oil and store in an airtight container in the fridge. | Up to 1 day |
| Prepare Sauce Base | Sauté minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, then add halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup of dry white wine. Cook until the wine reduces slightly. | Cool completely and transfer to a sealed container in the fridge. | Up to 24 hours |
| Shrimp Preparation | If desired, quickly sauté the 1 pound of Royal Red Shrimp in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink, then cool. | Store in an airtight container in the fridge, avoiding overcrowding to prevent sogginess. | Up to 1 day, but cook fully just before serving for best texture |
When you’re ready to assemble, simply reheat the sauce base in a skillet over medium heat, add the shrimp and cooked pasta, and toss everything together with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. This method keeps our dish quick—under 15 minutes for final assembly—while maintaining the exceptional sweetness of Royal Red Shrimp from the Gulf. Always refrigerate prepped items at 40°F (4°C) or below to ensure food safety.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Royal Red Shrimp Pasta recipe as it’s a game-changer for effortless gourmet dining. It’s all about savoring fresh Gulf flavors that make every bite memorable.
Try it tonight and let it elevate your meals—we’re sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Royal Red Shrimp Pasta?
Royal Red Shrimp Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish featuring sweet Gulf shrimp, pasta, and fresh ingredients like garlic, cherry tomatoes, and basil. It’s quick to prepare, balancing flavors for a meal that’s perfect for impressing guests or a cozy dinner at home.
What ingredients are needed for Royal Red Shrimp Pasta?
You’ll need 1 pound of Royal Red Shrimp from the Gulf, 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, cherry tomatoes, dry white wine, fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients enhance the dish’s sweetness and freshness for a quick, flavorful meal.
How do I prepare Royal Red Shrimp Pasta?
Start by prepping ingredients: thaw and dry shrimp, mince garlic, halve tomatoes, and chop basil. Boil pasta, then sauté garlic and shrimp in olive oil. Add tomatoes and wine for a light sauce. Toss everything together, finish with basil and Parmesan, and serve warm. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Royal Red Shrimp Pasta recipe yields four servings, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings. It’s adaptable for different dietary needs, so you can scale it up or down as required.
Where can I source Royal Red Shrimp?
For the best flavor, source Royal Red Shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico, available at seafood markets, online suppliers, or specialty stores. Look for fresh or frozen options to ensure their exceptional sweetness and quality.
Can I make Royal Red Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like thawing shrimp, mincing garlic, halving tomatoes, and chopping basil in advance. You can also cook pasta al dente and make a sauce base, storing them separately in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. Final assembly takes under 15 minutes for convenience.
What tools do I need to make this dish?
You’ll need a large stock pot for pasta, a skillet for sautéing, a cutting board, a colander, measuring cups and spoons, and tongs. These tools help maintain fresh flavors and ensure quick, efficient preparation.