Shrimp Ziti

I love creating recipes that are both delicious and easy to make, and this Shrimp Ziti is no exception. It’s a savory pasta dish loaded with shrimp, tomatoes, and tons of flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner1. The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand1.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes1.

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients you can easily find in your pantry and freezer1.

• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying sauce1.

• Customizable: Feel free to swap out the shrimp for chicken or add your favorite veggies1.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes1

• Cook Time: 16 minutes1

• Total Time: 26 minutes1

• Serving Size: 4-64

Ingredients

• 8 ounces ziti noodles, cooked al dente per package instructions1

• 1 tablespoon olive oil1

• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced1

• 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes1

• 1 cup half-and-half1

• 1 pound (31-to 40-count) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and thawed1

• 1 cup peas, frozen1

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated1

• 1 teaspoon salt1

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper1

• Parsley, for garnish (optional)1

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the ziti noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Make sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining1. This will help adjust the sauce consistency later1. Drain and rinse the noodles, then set them aside1.

2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, until fragrant1. Be careful not to burn the garlic1.

3. Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes and half-and-half to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally1.

4. Add the Shrimp and Peas: Add the shrimp, frozen peas, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp is pink and cooked through1.

5. Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency1.

6. Combine Everything: Add the cooked ziti noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce1. Make sure the pasta is well coated1.

7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately1.

Tips for Customization

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat3.

• Add Veggies: Mix in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor3.

• Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have ziti, rigatoni or spaghetti work great too24.

• Make it Creamier: For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half4.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad4.

• Pairs well with a crisp white wine4.

• Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color1.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure to peel and devein it before adding it to the sauce1.

• Can I make this ahead of time? While it’s best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add the cooked pasta and shrimp when you’re ready to serve4.

• How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days4.

• Can I use milk instead of half-and-half? Yes, you can use milk for a lighter sauce, but the half-and-half adds a nice creaminess4.

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimate)4

• Calories: 465

• Protein: 24g

• Carbs: 67g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 5g

Enjoy this easy and delicious Shrimp Ziti! I know I will.