🍤 Easy Shrimp Pasta with Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes & Gouda
A 25-Minute Dinner That Tastes Like a Fancy Night Out!
Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner idea that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes? This Easy Shrimp Pasta is the answer. It’s loaded with juicy shrimp, garlicky goodness, sweet cherry tomatoes, and just the right touch of heat. Finished with melted Gouda cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is cozy, creamy, and perfect for a weeknight treat or a date-night dinner.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this shrimp pasta is foolproof, satisfying, and sure to impress.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering dish:
For the pasta:
- 250g pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite)
- Salted water for boiling
- 2 ladles of pasta water (don’t forget to save this before draining!)
For the sauce:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 350g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 15g butter (about 1 tablespoon)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional for a kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Gouda cheese, grated (for topping)
👩🍳 How to Make It:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Before draining, scoop out 2 ladles of starchy pasta water — this helps the sauce stick to the noodles beautifully.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, shrimp, and paprika, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and lightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside temporarily.
3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add sliced red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the butter, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Stir everything together.
4. Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the pan. Add your drained pasta and pour in the reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently over medium-low heat until the sauce is silky and coats the noodles.
5. Serve & Garnish
Top with shredded Gouda cheese and a handful of fresh parsley. Serve hot, with a drizzle of olive oil and some crusty bread on the side if you’re feeling indulgent.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- ✅ Fast & Easy – Done in under 30 minutes
- ✅ Packed with flavor – Garlic, lemon, herbs, and melted cheese
- ✅ Customizable – Swap shrimp for chicken or add spinach
- ✅ Perfect for any occasion – Weeknight dinner or romantic date night
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
Pair this creamy shrimp pasta with:
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted garlic bread or focaccia
- A glass of chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
💡 Pro Tips:
- Use good-quality shrimp for the best flavor — fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re deveined.
- Don’t skip the pasta water — it helps emulsify the sauce beautifully.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end.
📌 Final Thoughts:
This Shrimp Pasta is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is secretly super simple. It’s all about fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and minimal fuss — a winning combo for busy evenings.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments below or tag me on Instagram! 📸
Love this recipe? Save it for later or share it with a friend who needs a quick dinner idea!
#ShrimpPasta #EasyDinner #SeafoodRecipes #QuickMeals #ComfortFood
