Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Angel Hair Pasta
Grilled Shrimp with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Angel Hair Pasta is a quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired recipe featuring smoky grilled shrimp, juicy tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and delicate angel hair pasta. The light tomato sauce perfectly coats the thin pasta while the grilled shrimp provides a flavorful source of lean protein. Ready in less than 40 minutes, this easy seafood pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Fresh Tomato Sauce
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces (225 g) angel hair pasta
- Salted water for boiling
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, lightly charred, and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Stir in the chopped basil and parsley, allowing the herbs to wilt into the sauce.
- Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet. Toss gently with the tomato sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed for a silky consistency.
- Arrange the grilled shrimp over the pasta and gently fold everything together.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so watch it carefully.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, authentic flavor.
- Grilling enhances the shrimp with a smoky taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is optional but delicious.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.