Description
This creamy sun-dried tomato shrimp with spinach pasta is a flavorful and comforting seafood pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender shrimp are sautéed and combined with a rich, creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with fresh spinach and your choice of pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 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 Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve the Dish: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use vegetable broth to make the dish pescatarian friendly.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lactose-free cream alternative.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture.
- Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
