GLUTEN-FREE GARLIC SHRIMP PASTA WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE

Gluten-Free Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce image

Provided by Megan Mitchell

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces gluten-free short pasta, such as BioNaturae penne or fusilli
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
3 large shallots, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
12 ounces (31-40 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
5 ounces baby spinach
1/2 cup chopped basil, plus whole leaves for garnish

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain.
While the water comes to a boil, drizzle a little oil in a large cast-iron skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring often, until golden brown and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Do not let it burn.
Next, add the diced tomatoes with their juices, coconut milk, crushed red pepper and a sprinkle each of salt and black pepper. Stir and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let simmer until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the shrimp, stir and cook until they turn pink and firm up, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the spinach and chopped basil. The heat from the sauce will wilt the spinach. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and black pepper, if needed.
Divide the pasta among bowls. Ladle some of the sauce over each portion, garnish with basil leaves and serve right away.