Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Preheat a skillet over a medium high heat.
Roughly chop shallot, celery, carrot, and garlic. Add to a food processor or blender with a tablespoon of olive oil and tomato paste and purée for 15 to 20 seconds.
Combine shrimp, salt, pepper, fennel, cumin, and remaining olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Toss to coat.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, basil ribbons, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, and vegetable broth.
Add butter to the hot pan with puréed shallot, celery, carrot, and garlic mixture. Sauté for 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and basil to the pan. Sauté to break down the tomatoes for 3 to 4 minutes.
Create an empty space in the center of the pan and add the shrimp. After 3 minutes, stir. Turn off the heat and let the dish simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Plate the pasta and pour scampi on top. Garnish with Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if liked.
Notes
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need a few minutes to stay tender. Prep ahead: Make the purée and tomato mix in advance to save time. Use fresh herbs last: Add basil just before serving to keep it vibrant.