Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp with Spinach Pasta recipe that combines succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Garnish
- 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 Sauté 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.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: 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 is smooth.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: 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.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
- Garnish and Present: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it pescatarian.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or arugula if preferred.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
