Shrimp Bucatini

If you are craving a pasta dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, then you’ll want to try this simple Shrimp Bucatini recipe! Think of perfectly cooked plump shrimp, al dente bucatini, tossed in tomato sauce. This fantastic recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes making it a great choice for weeknight dinner.

Shrimp Bucatini is a dish that beautifully marries the richness of succulent sauteed shrimp with the satisfying chewiness of bucatini pasta. This is one recipe you’ll want to try out, I’ve crafted it to be easy by using staple ingredients, nothing fancy. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it a go-to for the whole family or a special date night at home.

If you love the combination of shrimp and pasta, then you’ll enjoy this Shrimp Cacio e Pepe or this Spicy Parmesan Shrimp Pasta.

What Kind of Pasta is Bucatini?

Bucatini is a type of pasta that is from Italy. It is a long, thick, and cylindrical pasta that is similar to spaghetti but with a crucial difference – it has a hole running through the center. This hollow core gives bucatini its distinctive chewy texture and allows it to trap and hold onto sauces, making it a perfect match for flavorful dishes like this Shrimp Bucatini. The name “bucatini” comes from the Italian word “buco,” meaning hole, emphasizing this pasta’s unique feature.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Bucatini

• Quick and easy: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in no time. No complicated steps, no waiting around.

• Delicious flavor: The combination of fresh shrimp, aromatic garlic, and sweet tomatoes creates the best blend of flavors. Each bite is enjoyable without the hassle.

• Versatile ingredients: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Pantry staples like olive oil, onions, and basil come together in perfect balance, proving that delicious meals don’t always require a long shopping list.

• Great family meal: It’s great for a family meal. Shrimp Bucatini is a versatile dish that caters to various occasions. It’s the kind of meal that leaves a lasting impression without the stress.

Ingredients for Shrimp Bucatini

• Bucatini: you’ll recognize this pasta but its thickness and hollow center. This pasta becomes a vessel for the sauce; it’s an integral part of the dish. The hollow center allows the pasta to trap and hold onto the flavors of the sauce.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: olive oil adds a rich and fruity flavor to the dish. It’s not only used for sautéing in this recipe but also for finishing the dish, enhancing its overall taste.

• Shrimp: the star protein, shrimp, brings a sweet and briny flavor to the dish. Whether you choose fresh or frozen shrimp, ensure they are cleaned and deveined.

• White onions: beyond just providing a savory base, white onions, when cooked, develop a subtle sweetness. They add depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Chopped garlic: aromatic and pungent, garlic is the secret weapon in this recipe. Chop or mince it finely to infuse the entire dish with its unique flavor.

• Fresh tomatoes: the tomatoes, whether fresh or canned, are the base of the sauce. They bring a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the shrimp and complementing the savory notes of the onions and garlic. So make sure to use a quality one, try Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes. Chop them!

• Salt and black pepper: essential for bringing out the flavors, salt and pepper should be used judiciously. Taste as you go, ensuring a well-seasoned and perfectly flavour-balanced dish.

• Fresh basil leaves: A fragrant and vibrant herb, fresh basil is the finishing touch that adds a burst of freshness to the final dish. Add it just before serving to preserve its flavor.

• Parmesan cheese: optional garnish.

Substitutions

If bucatini is unavailable, spaghetti, pappardelle, or linguine can be used as a suitable substitute but keep in mind the bite of the dish will be different. Any pasta shape of your liking. Bucatini helps hold more sauce in its hollow center.

Yellow onions can be used instead of white onions for a milder taste.

In place of fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes can be used, depending on what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: start by cleaning and deveining the shrimp, ensuring they are dry before cooking. Removing the tails is optional but I removed mine for a simpler eating experience. Remove the shells and tails if you are serving kids.

2. Cook the bucatini: Boil a large pot of salted water, adding the bucatini and cooking it according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

3. Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the cleaned shrimp in the skillet making sure they all have contact with the pan, cook them until they turn pink and opaque – 2 minutes on each side. Be careful and avoid overcooking, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery when overcooked. Set aside

4. Sauté the aromatics: add finely chopped white onions to the same skillet, sautee for 2 minutes then add minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, creating a boost of flavor for the sauce.

5. Add tomatoes: stir in them, allowing them to break down and meld with the other ingredients, creating a beautiful sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

6. Add cooked bucatini: add the al dente bucatini to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the flavorful sauce. Add the shrimp back in and mix with some chopped basil, If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your preferred consistency.

7. Garnish with fresh basil: just before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil. That’s all.

Extra Recipe Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice when serving. This adds brightness to the dish and complements the seafood.

Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water. It contains starch and salt, which can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.

How To Serve Shrimp Bucatini

• Serve the Shrimp Bucatini hot, garnished with additional fresh basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

• You can improve the dish by grating some Parmesan cheese or Pecorino cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.

Variations and Customization

• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics.

• Incorporate vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added freshness and a nutritional boost.

• Experiment with different herbs, such as parsley or oregano, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Bucatini

Store any leftover Shrimp Bucatini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain the moisture. Alternatively, microwave it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.

FAQs

Other Shrimp Recipes To Try

• Shrimp Scampi Pasta
• Shrimp Parmesan Pasta
• Shrimp Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper)

This recipe Shrimp Bucatini promises a delicious meal and an opportunity to experiment and make it your own. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!