Cherry Tomato and Shrimp Bucatini 🦐🍅

 Cherry Tomato and Shrimp Bucatini 🦐🍅

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bucatini pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bucatini Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bucatini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp and Cherry Tomato Sauce:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
4. If using, pour in the white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir in the unsalted butter until melted and well combined with the sauce.
7. Add the cooked bucatini pasta to the skillet, along with the chopped fresh basil. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

3. Serve:

1. Divide the Cherry Tomato and Shrimp Bucatini among serving plates.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious pasta dish!

This Cherry Tomato and Shrimp Bucatini is bursting with flavors from the sweet cherry tomatoes, tender shrimp, and aromatic garlic, all tossed together with perfectly cooked bucatini pasta. It's a delightful and satisfying meal that's sure to impress!