Quick & Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Peas: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Sometimes, the most delicious dishes are born from the simplest inspirations and the most unassuming names. While I may not be a master of catchy culinary titles, my true passion lies in the kitchen – in the act of cooking and creating flavors that bring joy. If a dish tastes incredible, its name becomes secondary, a mere descriptor for the delightful experience it offers. And this pasta dish? It’s a prime example of culinary magic without the fancy labels.

This recipe for creamy shrimp, tomato, and pea pasta is a testament to those spontaneous cooking moments that yield surprisingly delightful results. It was one evening when I found myself craving the comforting flavors of pasta with sauce and peas – a combination I loved growing up. Wishing to elevate it beyond the basic, I decided to add succulent shrimp and a dollop of Boursin cheese, transforming a simple craving into an unforgettable meal for my husband and his parents. While my kids often prefer their pasta on the plainer side, this grown-up twist was an absolute hit, proving that a little creativity can go a long way.

Why This Creamy Shrimp Pasta Will Become Your Go-To Meal

In our busy lives, finding a recipe that is both quick to prepare and incredibly flavorful can feel like striking gold. This creamy shrimp pasta checks all those boxes and more. It’s designed for those evenings when you want something comforting and satisfying, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. From start to finish, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.

What makes this dish so special is its perfect balance of fresh ingredients and rich, creamy textures. The sweetness of the shrimp, combined with the burst of flavor from fire-roasted tomatoes and the subtle pop of green peas, creates a symphony of taste that is both vibrant and deeply comforting. The Boursin cheese is the secret weapon here, melting into the sauce to create an incredibly smooth, herbaceous, and luxurious finish that coats every strand of pasta beautifully. It’s a dish that feels elegant enough for guests but is simple enough for a casual family dinner.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The Essentials for Your Creamy Shrimp Pasta

One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it relies on readily available ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry or freezer. This makes it a fantastic “throw-together” meal for those times you need something delicious without a special trip to the grocery store. Here’s a closer look at the key components:

The Star: Shrimp

Type: Use medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp work perfectly here; just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
Preparation: Patting the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking is crucial for getting a nice sear and preventing them from steaming.
Why it works: Shrimp cook incredibly fast, making them ideal for quick pasta dishes. Their mild, sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the rich tomato sauce.

The Creamy Element: Boursin Cheese

Flavor Profile: Boursin is a soft, creamy, and flavorful Gournay cheese often infused with garlic and fine herbs. It’s truly a game-changer in this recipe, adding an instant layer of gourmet flavor and creaminess without needing to make a separate roux or cream sauce.
Availability: While I often grab it when it’s on sale (like a BOGO deal!), it’s becoming increasingly common in most dairy sections. Its rich texture and herbaceous notes save it from the brink of expiration and elevate the entire dish.
Substitutions: If you don’t have Boursin, you can achieve a similar creamy effect with a dollop of cream cheese and a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs and garlic powder, or even mascarpone cheese for a richer texture.

The Foundation: Tomatoes and Aromatics

Diced Tomatoes: I love using a combination of Italian-style diced tomatoes and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. The fire-roasted variety adds a smoky depth that elevates the sauce, while the regular diced tomatoes provide a fresh, bright base.
Onion and Garlic: These classic aromatics form the backbone of the sauce, providing a fragrant and savory foundation that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

The Sweet Pop: Frozen Peas

Convenience: Frozen peas are a freezer staple and add a lovely pop of sweetness, vibrant color, and a boost of nutrients to the pasta. They cook directly in the sauce, adding to the dish’s ease.

The Canvas: Pasta

Choice: Whole wheat penne or spiral pasta works wonderfully, offering a satisfying bite and holding the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to use your favorite short pasta shape – ziti, rotini, or even farfalle would be excellent choices.
Whole Wheat Benefits: Using whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor, making the meal even more wholesome.

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 StarNo reviews

Pasta with Creamy Shrimp, Tomatoes and Peas

Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
Category: Fish
Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

1 box whole wheat penne or spiral pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 15 oz cans diced Italian or Fire Roasted tomatoes (I used one of each)
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 round of Boursin cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add pasta and cook while preparing sauce. Drain and set aside when done.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper, and add to pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat on each side or until pink. Remove from pan and set aside, reserving some of the pasta water to add to sauce.
Add garlic and onion to the same pan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes or until onions are soft and fragrant. Add diced tomatoes to the pan and cook together for 5-7 minutes. Add the cup of frozen peas to the sauce and gently stir to combine. Add the cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the tomatoes along with a little reserved pasta water if needed (if tomatoes cook too long they may become dry, the pasta water will fix this). Lower heat and add Boursin cheese to the pan and gently toss to combine until the sauce is creamy. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve with red pepper flakes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Achieving a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Taking them out of the pan and adding them back in at the end ensures they remain tender.
Reserve Pasta Water: This is a chef’s secret! The starchy pasta water is your best friend for achieving a silky, emulsified sauce. It helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adds an extra layer of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
Mise en Place: “Everything in its place.” Chop your onion and mince your garlic, thaw and pat dry your shrimp, and open your cans of tomatoes before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking process, especially for a quick recipe like this.
Season as You Go: Taste the sauce at various stages. Season the shrimp before cooking, and then adjust salt and pepper after adding the tomatoes and finally, after the Boursin cheese has melted in.
Fresh Herbs for Garnish: While dried herbs are in the Boursin, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley at the end can brighten up the flavors and add a beautiful touch.

Creative Variations & Customizations

While this creamy shrimp pasta recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Protein Swaps:

Chicken: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or just want to use what you have, leftover cooked, sliced chicken breast or rotisserie chicken can be added at the same time as the peas.
Sausage: Cooked Italian sausage (mild or spicy) can be crumbled and added to the sauce for a heartier meal. Cook it before the aromatics, remove, and then proceed with the recipe.
Scallops: For a more gourmet touch, quickly sear scallops instead of shrimp.

Add More Veggies:

Spinach: Wilt a handful of fresh spinach into the sauce just before adding the pasta and shrimp.
Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy addition.
Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers (any color) can add sweetness and a bit of crunch. Add them with the onions.

Flavor Boosters:

Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes (as suggested for serving, but also delicious cooked into the sauce) will add a pleasant kick.
Lemon Zest: A little fresh lemon zest grated over the finished dish can brighten all the flavors.
White Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the shrimp or sautéing the aromatics for an extra layer of sophistication.

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Shrimp Pasta

This creamy shrimp, tomato, and pea pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:

Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: Simple roasted vegetables make a fantastic healthy accompaniment.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored and reheated. Place any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

This creamy shrimp pasta truly epitomizes comfort food – quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation, whether for a spontaneous family dinner or a quick meal with friends. The delightful combination of tender shrimp, vibrant peas, and a luscious tomato Boursin sauce makes it an irresistible choice every time. Enjoy the process of creating this simple yet sophisticated meal!