Pink Sauce for Pasta (Shrimp): A Creamy, Flavorful Dish in Minutes

Looking for a quick and delicious sauce to pair with your pasta or rice? This Pink Sauce with Shrimp is the answer! With its rich, creamy texture and the perfect balance of spices, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes. The combination of shrimp, a tangy pink sauce, and aromatic spices makes it an easy and flavorful meal for any occasion.

Quick Benefits

  • Quick and easy: This dish is prepared in only 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
  • Packed with flavor: The blend of tomato puree, cream, spices, and shrimp creates a rich and complex flavor profile that will satisfy your taste buds.
  • Protein-packed: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, helping you stay full and energized.

Essential Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons tomato puree
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger root
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seed
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

  1. Prepare the pink sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the tomato puree with ¾ cup of water to make a total of 1 cup of liquid. Stir in the heavy cream, grated ginger, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Cook the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to pop. Once they begin to pop, add the chopped garlic and stir. Immediately add the shrimp, cooking and stirring until the shrimp turn opaque. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Combine with sauce: Stir in the prepared pink sauce and heat gently without bringing it to a boil. Let the shrimp and sauce simmer until hot.
  4. Serve: Pour the shrimp and pink sauce over hot cooked pasta or rice, and enjoy!

Health Benefits

  • High in protein: The shrimp provides an excellent source of lean protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall body function.
  • Rich in essential nutrients: The spices, especially ginger, offer anti-inflammatory benefits, while cumin is known to aid digestion.
  • Good source of calcium: The heavy cream and shrimp contribute to a healthy dose of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.

While this dish is rich in flavor and nutrients, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to the higher fat content from the cream and oil.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over pasta: This sauce is perfect over spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice.
  • Serve over rice: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp and pink sauce over a bed of steamed rice.
  • Add vegetables: To balance the richness of the sauce, consider adding some sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a burst of color and nutrition.

Creative Variations

  • Spicy twist: If you like extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped fresh chili to the pink sauce.
  • Vegetarian version: Replace the shrimp with mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegetarian take on this dish.
  • Herbaceous: Add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish for added flavor and freshness.
  • Coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to give the sauce a tropical twist.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Leftover pink sauce with shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Freezing: While the sauce can be frozen, it may change texture slightly when reheated. To freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to remove it from the heat as soon as it turns opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
  • Make the sauce ahead of time: You can prepare the pink sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. If you want a more flavorful sauce, feel free to increase the spices according to your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.

Can I use a different type of cream?
While heavy cream gives the sauce a rich and smooth texture, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter or dairy-free option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pink sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

What kind of pasta works best with this dish?
Any type of pasta works well, but longer pasta like spaghetti or linguine pairs nicely with the shrimp and creamy sauce.

This Pink Sauce for Pasta with Shrimp is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s quick to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it over pasta or rice, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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