800g (28oz) canned tomatoes (if using whole tomatoes, gently crush them before adding to the sauce)
1tspsalt
½tsppepper
¼-½cupcream
2tbspfresh basil
For the shrimp
500g (1lb) shrimp/prawnspeeled and deveined
1tbspolive oil
1tspsalt
½tsppepper
1tspcrushed garlic
2tsplemon juice
½tsporegano
To serve
500g (1lb)pasta of your choice
Parmesan
Instructions
In a large, deep pan set over medium heat, saute the onion in the olive oil until soft and fragrant for 2-3 minutes.
Add the garlic, chilli flakes and oregano and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour in the vodka. Allow to reduce for 5 minutes.
Pour in the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
Allow to simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce has reduced slightly.
Transfer the tomato sauce to a blender or food processor. Add the fresh basil then blend until smooth.
Pour the sauce back into the pan and set over medium heat.
Add ¼ cup of cream and stir in. If you want the sauce to be creamier, add the remaining cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels then drizzle over the olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice and oregano. Mix well.
Heat a large frying pan over high heat then add the shrimp and cook for 30 seconds-1 minute per side (depending on their size) until they are opaque in color. Avoid over cooking them as they will continue cooking in the sauce.
Toss the shrimp in the sauce then add pasta of your choice and serve with Parmesan and fresh basil.