Shrimp Marinara Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

This quick and easy Shrimp Marinara is perfect for a busy weeknight or a romantic candlelight dinner for two. A delightful combination of succulent shrimp, savory marinara sauce, and pasta, all brought together with a burst of fresh flavors!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dry spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Step 1: Begin by preparing the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until nearly opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic and crushed red pepper. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in the diced fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Return the shrimp to the skillet, simmering for an additional 1 minute to heat through.

Step 7: Serve the shrimp and marinara sauce over the prepared spaghetti. Garnish with additional fresh basil and enjoy!

Test Kitchen Tips

• If you're short on time, you can substitute one 16-ounce jar of marinara sauce for the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, vinegar, oregano, and salt. Add the jarred sauce after Step 4, bring to a boil, and continue as directed in Step 6.
• While fire-roasted tomatoes add a wonderful depth of flavor, they are optional. You can use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the charred taste.

What to Serve with Shrimp Marinara

Looking for some side dish inspiration? Here are a few ideas that pair perfectly with this dish:

• Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad
• Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
• Garlic Bread

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 595
• Total Fat: 14g (18% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (12% DV)
• Cholesterol: 239mg (80% DV)
• Sodium: 1826mg (79% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 77g (28% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (24% DV)
• Total Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 39g (79% DV)
• Vitamin C: 23mg (26% DV)
• Calcium: 189mg (15% DV)
• Iron: 5mg (29% DV)
• Potassium: 960mg (20% DV)

The Story and Culture Behind Shrimp Marinara

Shrimp Marinara is a modern twist on the classic Italian seafood pasta, blending succulent shrimp with a rich, tomato-based marinara sauce. While its roots trace back to traditional Italian coastal cuisine, the dish as we know it today became popular in Italian-American households during the mid-20th century. Italian immigrants adapted regional recipes, incorporating readily available ingredients like canned tomatoes and dried pasta, creating a quick yet flavorful meal that mirrored the coastal flavors of Italy.

Regional Variations

Although the base of shrimp marinara remains consistent, regional differences emerge depending on local seafood availability and culinary traditions. In Southern Italy, particularly in Campania and Sicily, the dish often features freshly caught shrimp, anchovies, capers, and olives, giving it a briny depth. Northern Italian versions might incorporate cream or white wine for a lighter, more delicate sauce. In the United States, it is common to see a richer tomato sauce with added garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil, reflecting both Italian heritage and American preferences for robust flavors.

Distinctive Characteristics Compared to Similar Dishes

Shrimp Marinara is distinct from other seafood pasta dishes due to its simplicity and focus on the classic marinara sauce. Unlike Shrimp Scampi, which emphasizes butter, garlic, and lemon for a bright, oily sauce, marinara relies on simmered tomatoes to carry the flavor. Unlike seafood Alfredo, which is cream-based, Shrimp Marinara is lighter yet full-bodied, allowing the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through. Its balance of acidity, seasoning, and seafood sets it apart as a staple Italian-American comfort food.

Typical Serving Context

This dish is highly versatile and can be served in casual weeknight dinners or more formal occasions. In Italian-American restaurants, Shrimp Marinara is commonly paired with spaghetti or linguine and garnished with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese. It is often accompanied by a crisp salad or garlic bread. Home cooks favor it for its short preparation time, making it a popular choice for family dinners, date nights, or celebratory meals that showcase seafood without the complexity of fine dining.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• Shrimp Marinara is sometimes confused with "Frutti di Mare," which features a variety of seafood including mussels, clams, and squid, while marinara keeps the focus on shrimp.
• The term marinara originates from the Italian word marinaro, meaning seafarer, reflecting its historical connection to coastal fishing communities.
• Balsamic vinegar, occasionally added to modern recipes, is not traditional but enhances the depth and sweetness of the sauce.
• In Italy, shrimp pasta dishes are more commonly reserved for festive occasions rather than everyday meals, highlighting their status as a special treat.
• The dishs popularity in the U.S. surged in the 1950s and 1960s as canned tomatoes and imported olive oil became widely available, making Italian-inspired seafood more accessible to home cooks.

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