Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is my go-to recipe for a quick and delicious weeknight meal filled with indulgent flavors. This dish combines tender shrimp with creamy mozzarella cheese, creating a rich sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a comforting dish that delights the entire family. Let’s dive into this easy creamy shrimp pasta recipe that will surely impress your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
This creamy shrimp pasta is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore it:
- It’s a one-pan dish, making clean-up a breeze.
- The creamy sauce is rich and satisfying, perfect for comfort food lovers.
- It features shrimp, which are high in protein and low in calories.
- This recipe is versatile; you can easily swap pasta types or add vegetables.
- It’s an impressive meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet fancy enough for guests.
- Using mozzarella cheese adds a creamy texture that elevates the dish.
- It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- This dish fits a gluten-free diet when using the right pasta.
Ingredients for Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
Gather these items:
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (Substitute with gluten-free brown rice pasta if desired.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Consider using oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor.)
- 1 pound Shrimp (Deveined and peeled.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for maximum flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Add while cooking the shrimp.)
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Opt for unsalted versions.)
- 1 cup Half-and-Half (Can substitute with a mix of milk and heavy cream.)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Use pre-shredded for easy melting.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (Fresh basil can be added for more flavor.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (Adds color and warmth.)
- 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water (For adjusting sauce thickness.)
How to Make Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as it will help adjust your sauce later.
- Step 2: Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp along with minced garlic. Cook until the shrimp turns pink on one side, then flip and cook for about 30 seconds until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes and a bit more minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in the half-and-half, bringing it to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the pre-shredded Mozzarella cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Lower the heat and simmer, using reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness as needed.
- Step 5: Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Sprinkle in your dried basil, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Toss everything to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes over low heat.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should only take a few minutes to cook through.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for your liking.
- Consider adding spinach or other vegetables to enhance nutrition.
- For a kick, add more red pepper flakes or some crushed black pepper.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy twist.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, and heat gently on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta?
The secret lies in not overcooking the shrimp and using high-quality ingredients. Fresh shrimp and good mozzarella make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
Can I make Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply cook the pasta and shrimp when you’re ready to serve. Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to two days.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta?
Common mistakes include overcooking the shrimp and letting the sauce boil too vigorously. Keep the heat moderate to ensure a creamy texture without curdling.
Variations of Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta You Can Try
Here are some tasty variations to switch things up:
- Mozzarella shrimp linguine: Swap penne for linguine for a different pasta experience.
- Shrimp fettuccine with mozzarella: Use fettuccine for a wider noodle that holds the sauce well.
- Creamy garlic shrimp pasta with mozzarella: Add roasted garlic to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Shrimp pasta in creamy sauce: Mix in some heavy cream for an even richer sauce consistency.
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Homemade Tomato Sauce. You can also explore Pappardelle with Beef Ragu for a hearty option.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of shrimp, visit Healthline.
To learn more about the versatility of pasta, check out our recipe category.
Print
Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta: A Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Try this Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta for a quick and delicious weeknight meal filled with indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta (Substitute with gluten-free brown rice pasta if desired.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Consider using oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor.)
- 1 pound Shrimp (Deveined and peeled.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for maximum flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Add while cooking the shrimp.)
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Opt for unsalted versions.)
- 1 cup Half-and-Half (Can substitute with a mix of milk and heavy cream.)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Use pre-shredded for easy melting.)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (Fresh basil can be added for more flavor.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (Adds color and warmth.)
- 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water (For adjusting sauce thickness.)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as it will help adjust your sauce later.
- Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp along with minced garlic. Cook until the shrimp turns pink on one side, then flip and cook for about 30 seconds until they are golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes and a bit more minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in the half-and-half, bringing it to a gentle boil.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the pre-shredded Mozzarella cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Lower the heat and simmer, using reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness as needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Sprinkle in your dried basil, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Toss everything to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes over low heat.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Leave a Reply