Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Penne – Creamy & Flavorful Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish, look no further than Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Penne. This recipe perfectly balances the richness of a creamy sauce, the savory umami of sun-dried tomatoes, and the succulent tenderness of shrimp. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Not only is this recipe incredibly tasty, but it’s also easy to prepare in just 30 minutes! With a few simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet meal that rivals any restaurant-quality dish. Let’s dive into how you can make the perfect Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Penne from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
4. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring well to combine.
4. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet.
2. Stir in chopped spinach and lemon juice, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly.
3. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Penne!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
2. Rich and Creamy Flavor: A perfect balance of creaminess and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Restaurant-Quality: Tastes like something you’d order at an Italian bistro.
4. Customizable: You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or even bacon to enhance the flavors.
5. Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love.

Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Penne

1. Choose the Right Shrimp

For the best texture, use fresh or frozen large shrimp (16-20 count per pound). If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water.

2. Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Cook the pasta al dente to avoid it becoming too soft in the sauce. Al dente pasta holds its shape and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.

3. Sun-Dried Tomatoes – The Secret Ingredient

Sun-dried tomatoes add a deep umami flavor to the sauce. If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them slightly before chopping.

4. Enhance the Sauce

For extra creaminess, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or add a splash of white wine for a depth of flavor.

5. Make It Spicier

Love a little heat? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.

FAQs

1. Can I Use a Different Pasta?

Yes! While penne is ideal, you can substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or even rigatoni.

2. What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?

If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut milk.

3. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

4. Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

Yes! Swap heavy cream with coconut milk, Parmesan with nutritional yeast, and butter with dairy-free margarine.

5. Can I Add More Vegetables?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus are great additions.

Conclusion

Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Penne is a delicious, creamy, and easy-to-make pasta dish that brings gourmet flavors right to your table. With its succulent shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan sauce, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for an impressive meal, this dish won’t disappoint.

Try it today and let us know how you liked it! Happy cooking!

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