Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp with Spinach Pasta Recipe
A rich and creamy pasta dish combining succulent sautéed shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce over whole grain spaghetti or fettuccine. Perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or fettuccine, preferably whole grain
Seafood and Produce
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish
Dairy and Oils
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Rinse briefly under cold water if not immediately using to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Sauteing the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add shrimp and sauté until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside to keep tender and juicy.
- Infusing the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let flavors meld.
- Bringing It All Together: Add fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted and vibrant. Return shrimp to the skillet, mixing gently. Toss in the cooked pasta and combine until evenly coated. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen.
- Finishing Touches: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli by sautéing them with the garlic.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomato shrimp, spinach pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta, weeknight meal
