Irresistible Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp With Spinach Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a creamy sun-dried tomato shrimp with spinach pasta brings pure comfort right to your dinner table.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each tender bite of succulent shrimp.

Silky sauce coats perfectly al dente noodles, creating a restaurant-quality meal in mere minutes.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

Robust sun-dried tomatoes add unexpected depth and tangy brightness to this elegant dish.

Delicate spinach leaves weave through the pasta, providing fresh texture and vibrant color.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this restaurant-inspired recipe comes together.

One forkful and dinner becomes an instant celebration of simplicity and flavor.

What Makes Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta Great

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Prepare a gourmet-style meal in less than 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combines rich, creamy sauce with succulent shrimp and tangy sun-dried tomatoes for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from shrimp, iron-rich spinach, and calcium from Parmesan cheese, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious food without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta

• Fettuccine: A classic Italian pasta that provides a hearty base for the creamy sauce and shrimp.

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate and tender protein element to the dish.

• Garlic, Fresh Basil: Ingredients that bring depth and fragrant notes to the overall flavor profile.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomatoes that offer a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet taste to the sauce.
• Spinach: A nutritious green that wilts beautifully and adds color to the pasta dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential ingredients for cooking and seasoning that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Cook Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook fettuccine in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a brief 1-2 minutes, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Introduce shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become opaque. Remove the shrimp and keep them warm on a separate plate.

Step 4: Wilt and Blend Greens and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, combine sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach becomes delicate and slightly wilted, creating a beautiful color and texture.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Reunite and Coat Ingredients

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring each strand is lovingly coated with the creamy sauce.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Transfer the pasta to serving plates immediately.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves, adding a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness to the dish.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta

• Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they're plump and have a clean, ocean-fresh smell.
• Cook shrimp precisely 3-4 minutes to prevent rubbery texture, watching for pink and opaque appearance as a doneness indicator.
• Simmer cream sauce gently to prevent separation, stirring constantly and adding Parmesan gradually for smooth, silky results.
• Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding cream to intensify their rich, concentrated taste and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Chop garlic, measure cream, and ready spinach beforehand for seamless cooking and stress-free meal preparation.

Variations to Try With Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta

• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with grilled salmon and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Cajun Spice Adventure: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on shrimp, use andouille sausage, and add bell peppers for a New Orleans style pasta.
• Vegetarian Cream Dream: Swap shrimp with roasted chickpeas, use plant-based cream, and add extra nutritional yeast for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative.
• Light Lemon Herb Option: Incorporate fresh lemon zest, reduce cream, use white wine, and add fresh dill and parsley for a lighter, brighter Mediterranean-style dish.

What Goes Well With Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Serve Bright Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and provide a fresh counterpoint.
• Match Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted artisan bread rubbed with garlic to soak up the delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce and add textural contrast.
• Select Sparkling Water with Citrus: Add a slice of lemon or lime to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the dish's bright Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Best Storage Practices for Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the pasta and sauce separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.

Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Are sun-dried tomatoes different from regular tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have been dehydrated in the sun or through industrial methods, concentrating their flavor and creating a rich, tangy taste that’s more intense than fresh tomatoes.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

While fettuccine works great, you can substitute with other long pasta like linguine or penne. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

This recipe offers protein from shrimp, nutrients from spinach, and calcium from Parmesan. However, it’s also rich in cream, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp With Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy sun-dried tomato shrimp with spinach pasta brings Mediterranean elegance to your dinner table. Quick and luxurious comfort combines with rich flavors, promising a delightful meal that whisks you straight to coastal Italian charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare fettuccine according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat (375°F). Infuse with minced garlic, releasing aromatic essence for 60-90 seconds.
3. Introduce succulent shrimp to the heated skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes until transforming to vibrant pink and translucent centers are eliminated.
4. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining warmth.
5. Within the same skillet, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, sautéing until leafy greens collapse and wilt completely.
6. Stream heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, allowing gentle simmer to develop. Whisk Parmesan cheese until creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.
7. Reintroduce reserved shrimp into the creamy landscape, gently folding in drained pasta to ensure comprehensive coating.
8. Season generously with salt and cracked black pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
9. Plate immediately, embellishing with delicate fresh basil leaves for aromatic finish and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prep shrimp quickly to prevent overcooking by removing from heat once they turn pink and opaque, ensuring tender and juicy texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a healthier version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Enhance flavor by toasting sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to skillet, which intensifies their rich, concentrated taste and releases additional aromatics.
• Consider making this dish gluten-free by using zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta instead of traditional fettuccine for a low-carb and nutritious adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg