Description
Try this Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta for a quick and delicious weeknight meal filled with indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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