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Shrimp Marinara with Homemade Tomato Sauce

This dish features plump, tender shrimp cooked in a vibrant, slow-simmered tomato sauce made from scratch. The sauce develops a rich, tangy sweetness as it thickens, coating each shrimp with a glossy glaze and creating a satisfying, flavorful main course. It's a comforting yet elevated seafood pasta experience that highlights the magic of homemade sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined thoroughly pat dry
  • 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes canned whole peeled, crushed by hand
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin, good quality
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to spice preference
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, added at the end
  • 1 cup dry white wine optional, for depth

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Knife
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium and add olive oil. Once shimmering, stir in the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, until it just starts to turn golden.
  2. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a rich depth to the sauce.
  3. Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes to the skillet, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and turns a rich, vibrant red aroma fills the kitchen.
  5. While the sauce simmers, prepare your shrimp by patting them dry thoroughly and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  6. Gently place the shrimp in the simmering sauce in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn opaque, pink, and slightly curled. The sauce will crackle softly around them.
  7. Once the shrimp are cooked through, turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil for a bright, herbal aroma and color.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed. For a finishing touch, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish with additional basil, if desired.
  9. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread, enjoying the glossy, flavorful shrimp coated in the thick, homemade marinara.