Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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If you love indulgent, flavor-packed meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner. Tender shrimp sautéed to perfection swim in a luxuriously creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant Italian herbs, all tossed with perfectly cooked gluten-free penne. This dish brings together contrasting textures and layers of bold, comforting flavors that effortlessly impress at any dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple and essential, working together to create a symphony of tastes, textures, and colors that make this dish truly unforgettable. From the smoky paprika seasoning on the shrimp to the vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and creamy Parmesan, these components each contribute a unique touch.

• Extra-large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and tender bites.
• Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness enhancing the shrimp’s flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brightens the entire dish.
• Black pepper and salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Sun-dried tomato oil: Intensifies the tomato aroma while adding richness.
• Tomato paste and diced sun-dried tomatoes: Provide deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Dried basil and sweet smoked paprika: Layers of herbal and smoky notes build complexity.
• Gluten-free 1:1 flour: For thickening the creamy sauce without gluten.
• Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color and gentle earthiness.
• Butter, minced onion, and garlic: Create a flavorful aromatic base for the sauce.
• Vegetable broth: Lightens the sauce and brings depth.
• Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese: Make the sauce irresistibly creamy and cheesy.
• Gluten-free penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold the sauce and shrimp.
• Fresh basil: Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green for garnish.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your gluten-free penne according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures your pasta has just the right bite to complement the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside as you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. This marinade infuses the shrimp with a smoky, herby punch that makes every bite flavorful and vibrant.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside so you can use the flavorful oil for the sauce base.

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation crucial for a tasty sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce Base

Sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the softened onion and garlic, stirring to combine well. Let it cook for about one minute to remove any raw flour taste and help thicken your sauce later.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, tomato paste, diced sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, dried basil, and fresh spinach. Stir and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, roughly 5 minutes. This creates a rich, flavorful base bubbling with sun-dried tomato goodness.

Step 7: Make it Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and decadent. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; it’s the perfect time to get the balance just right.

Step 8: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them thoroughly in your luscious sauce. This step lets the shrimp soak up all that creamy, tomatoey goodness before they meet the pasta.

Step 9: Toss in the Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the shrimp, pasta, and sauce are evenly combined. This harmonious mix makes every forkful a celebration of flavors.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil. This final touch lifts the dish with its aromatic brightness and makes it look as stunning as it tastes. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil is the classic finishing touch, but you can also add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a little extra grated Parmesan for richness. These garnishes not only elevate the flavor but add that picture-perfect appeal.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crunchy gluten-free rolls are great companions to soak up every bit of sauce. Light roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini are also fantastic choices to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider plating the pasta in shallow bowls with a swirl of extra sauce on top and placing a beautifully cooked shrimp in the center. You could also serve it family-style in a large serving dish garnished with whole basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan, making it inviting and easy to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, so a splash of milk or broth before reheating will help loosen it back up to that perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if needed. Freeze the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta to help maintain texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, use a low heat setting on the stovetop or microwave and stir frequently to ensure even warming and to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a little extra cream or broth during reheating will help revive that silky, creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses gluten-free penne to accommodate dietary needs, regular pasta works just as well and will deliver the same delicious results.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sun-dried tomato oil?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomato oil, use olive oil instead and increase the quantity slightly, but keep in mind that a bit of that sun-dried tomato flavor will be missing from the oil itself.

Is this recipe spicy?

This pasta carries a gentle smoky warmth from the paprika but is not spicy hot. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat to elevate the flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor while keeping it dairy-free.

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them for tender, juicy bites.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Shrimp Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines elegance and comfort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it’s a flavorful feast that brings happiness in every creamy, tomato-kissed bite. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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