Indulge in a flavorful and satisfying dish with Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Penne! This delicious pasta combines succulent shrimp with a creamy sauce featuring vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic garlic.
It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, bringing together comforting flavors that will impress your family and friends. With the added richness of mozzarella cheese and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table. Get ready to savor every bite of this delightful culinary creation.
Ingredients:
Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or gluten-free brown rice pasta for a gluten-free version)
Shrimp:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (drained from the sun-dried tomatoes jar or regular olive oil)
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Creamy Sauce:
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (without oil)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (do not use fresh mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (or more if using fresh basil)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions:
How to Cook Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some cooked pasta water before draining the pasta.
How to Cook Shrimp: 2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and minced garlic. Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute on one side until it turns pink or golden brown. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove the shrimp to a plate.
How to Make Creamy Mozzarella Sauce: 3. In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes and additional minced garlic. Sauté on medium heat for 1 minute. Pour in the half-and-half and bring to a boil. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese quickly until the sauce is smooth. Add basil, red pepper flakes, and paprika, mixing well. Gradually add ¼ teaspoon of salt, adjusting to taste.
How to Assemble Shrimp Pasta: 4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and reheat gently. Stir in the cooked shrimp. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 550 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
Enjoy your delicious Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Penne!
