This Creamy Tomato Tagliatelle with Shrimp & Mozzarella is a comforting, restaurant-style seafood pasta dish. Ripe tomatoes, onions, and garlic cloves are gently stewed until soft, then mashed in the pan to form a rustic homemade tomato base.
Tender, juicy peeled shrimp are cooked directly in the aromatic sauce, then tossed with melted mozzarella cheese and ribbons of tagliatelle pasta for a creamy, decadent texture!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 3–4 portions
Ingredients
For the Rustic Tomato Base:
- 4–5 medium ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Seafood & Pasta Assembly:
- 250g (8.8 oz) tagliatelle pasta
- 300g (10.5 oz) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Tagliatelle
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tagliatelle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of starchy pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook and Mash the Tomato Base
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Cover with a lid and let cook for 7 to 8 minutes until the tomatoes soften completely and release their natural juices. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash the cooked vegetables directly in the pan into a textured tomato sauce.
3. Season and Add Shrimp
Stir the paprika, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley into the mashed tomato sauce. Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Melt the Mozzarella
Lower the heat and add the shredded mozzarella cheese directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the mozzarella completely melts into the tomato mixture, creating a gooey, creamy texture.
5. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked tagliatelle directly into the creamy tomato shrimp sauce. Toss well to ensure every ribbon of pasta is coated. (If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water). Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve immediately!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly (3 to 4 minutes total). Remove from high heat as soon as they turn pink and form a ‘C’ shape to keep them tender and juicy.
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy cooking water is essential for loosening the melted mozzarella sauce and binding it smoothly to the tagliatelle strands.
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe plum or Roma tomatoes yield the sweetest, richest naturally thickened sauce base.
Tasty Customization Ideas
- Spicy Arrabbiata Style: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil to the garlic and onions while cooking.
- Citrus Lift: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished pasta right before serving to brighten the seafood flavor.
- Extra Greens: Fold in fresh baby spinach leaves or heavy cream for an even richer texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Tomato Tagliatelle with Shrimp hot alongside toasted garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or a glass of chilled sparkling water with lemon!
