Shrimp Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce is a fantastic option for those weeknight dinners when you need something scrumptious on the table fast. This stove top version can easily be made in your slow cooker or oven (keep reading for those directions).

If you love shrimp, try this Shrimp and Rice Casserole. Shrimp and rice are baked together in a creamy sauce and just the right amount of Cajun seasoning.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of shrimp, you can use crawfish, scallops, crab meat, or chunks of any white fish.
• You can use any type spaghetti such as regular or thin. You can also use any shape pasta such as linguini. Watching carbs? Try zucchini pasta or spaghetti squash.
• If you're out of tomato paste, here's a link to my article 23 Best Tomato Paste Substitutes. Ketchup or tomato sauce are good substitutes for tomato paste.
• For the crushed tomatoes you can substitute with canned diced or whole tomatoes, and crush them with a potato masher or blend briefly in a blender or food processor.
• Substitute fresh minced garlic with garlic powder or garlic paste. One teaspoon of garlic powder is roughly equivalent to one fresh garlic clove.
• Instead of olive oil, you can use other cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Butter or margarine can also work, but they will alter the flavor.

Additions

If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a veggie boost, toss in some sautéed spinach or bell peppers. Top with parmesan cheese.

What Goes with Shrimp Spaghetti

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. Another great side dish is Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips. You can never go wrong with Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread either!

Tips for Success

• Don't overcook the shrimp. They should turn pink and opaque, but if you cook them too long, they can become tough and rubbery.
• Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Some like it spicier, while others prefer a milder sauce.
• Be mindful when salting the pasta water, as the sauce will also have salt. Start with a little and add more if needed.

Tips for Cooking Pasta

Cooking pasta may seem simple, but achieving perfectly cooked pasta every time requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you cook pasta like a pro:

1. Use a Large Pot: Choose a pot that's large enough to hold the pasta comfortably and has plenty of room for water to boil. Using a big pot helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
2. Use Plenty of Water: Use about 4-6 quarts (4-6 liters) of water for every pound (450g) of pasta. More water helps maintain a rolling boil and prevents the pasta from sticking together.
3. Salt the Water: Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before adding the pasta. A general guideline is about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per gallon (4 liters) of water. Salting the water enhances the pasta's flavor.
4. Stir at the Beginning: Once you add the pasta to the boiling water, give it a quick stir to prevent it from sticking together. Stir again occasionally during cooking.
5. Follow Cooking Time on the Package: Refer to the instructions on the pasta package for the recommended cooking time. Taste a piece a minute or two before the suggested time to check for doneness. Pasta should be "al dente," which means it's tender but still has a slight firmness when bitten.
6. Test for Doneness: The best way to check if pasta is done is to taste it. It should be cooked but still slightly firm. If you press a piece between your fingers, it should offer some resistance. Avoid overcooking, as it can result in mushy pasta.
7. Drain Properly: When draining the pasta, don't rinse it with cold water. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce cling to the pasta. Simply let it drain in a colander.

Alternative Cooking Methods

You can adapt the Shrimp Spaghetti recipe for both the slow cooker and the oven. Here's how:

Slow Cooker Directions - Add the olive oil and garlic to a skillet. Over medium-high heat, cook the garlic for 30 seconds. Transfer the olive oil and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and the seasonings. Taste test and add additional seasonings if needed. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Stir in shrimp. Cover and cook on high 15-25 minutes, just until shrimp turn pink. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

Oven Directions - Preheat oven to 350F. Add the olive oil and garlic to a large oven-proof skillet. Over medium-high heat, cook the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and the seasonings. Taste test and add additional seasonings if needed. Stir in the shrimp. Place the skillet in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked. While the shrimp are baking cook and drain the pasta. Serve cooked shrimp marinara over the cooked spaghetti.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

To store leftover Shrimp Spaghetti, let it cool off completely then place the cooked spaghetti on the bottom of an airtight container then add the shrimp marinara. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan on the stove with a splash of water or microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Questions you may have

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

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