Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp with Spinach Pasta
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp with Spinach Pasta is a quick and elegant dish combining succulent shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce tossed with nutritious spinach pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free Optional
Proteins and Pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz spinach pasta
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spinach pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, pat the shrimp dry, chop sun-dried tomatoes if needed, mince garlic, grate Parmesan cheese, and rinse fresh spinach.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside to keep them juicy and tender.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant but not browned. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens gently.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Mix fresh spinach into the creamy sauce and allow it to wilt. Then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return cooked spinach pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together ensuring the sauce evenly coats the pasta and shrimp. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and taste.
- Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat once pink and opaque.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Add heavy cream at lower temperature to avoid curdling.
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely to distribute flavor evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato shrimp, spinach pasta, quick dinner, creamy shrimp recipe