Description
A luscious and creamy sun-dried tomato shrimp pasta featuring tender shrimp and fresh spinach tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This flavorful dish combines the sweetness of shrimp with the tangy depth of sun-dried tomatoes for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season and Sauté Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook Shrimp Until Pink: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their flavor.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat well with the creamy sauce.
- Combine Shrimp with Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick to adjust consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian variation (omit shrimp to keep vegetarian).
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
