Creamy Shrimp Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

• 2 – 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15- ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 cup white wine or chicken broth

• 1/3 cup clam juice

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 pound penne pasta

• 3/4 cup (or more) fresh grated Parmesan cheese

• optional – chopped fresh parsley and fresh basil to garnish

Instructions

1. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large, deep dish skillet over medium heat. Add in the shrimp and garlic and cook for about 4 minutes until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

3. Without cleaning or draining the pan, add the tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, red pepper flakes, wine, clam juice, and heavy cream. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low to simmer for 8 minutes to thicken.

4. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain.

5. Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shrimp, and cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to combine. Season with more salt and pepper if desired.

6. Garnish with the remaining grated cheese and fresh herbs if desired.