What’s better than a plate of pasta that’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with succulent shrimp? Not much! Imagine sitting down to a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta, with every bite packed with rich flavor, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a velvety sauce. It’s a dish that feels luxurious, but the good news? You can whip it up in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.
This recipe isn’t just about delicious food; it’s about creating moments. Maybe it’s a quiet dinner for two, a treat for yourself after a long day, or a special dish to share with family or friends. Whatever the occasion, this pasta promises to deliver joy and satisfaction. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make it!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
There’s a reason this dish feels like a restaurant-quality meal. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy and savory with a hint of spice. The mozzarella melts into a luscious sauce, coating every piece of pasta, while the shrimp adds a delicate, fresh flavor. Plus, the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and paprika elevates the dish with a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
Not only is this pasta incredibly delicious, but it’s also easy to make. In under 30 minutes, you can have a meal that feels gourmet. It’s also flexible—perfect for date nights, family dinners, or even meal prep.
Ingredients for Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this amazing dish. Use fresh, high-quality items for the best results:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 8 oz | Base of the dish, holds sauce beautifully |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing garlic and shrimp |
| Shrimp (deveined, shells removed) | 1 lb | Adds protein and a fresh seafood flavor |
| Garlic cloves | 7 (3 for shrimp, 4 for sauce) | Aromatic and flavor enhancer |
| Salt | ½ tsp (¼ tsp for shrimp, ¼ tsp for sauce) | Enhances overall taste |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) | 4 oz | Adds tangy, sweet, and savory notes |
| Half and half | 1 cup | Creamy base for the sauce |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup | Creates a rich, velvety sauce |
| Dried basil | 1 tbsp | Adds herbaceous flavor |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp | For a hint of spice |
| Paprika | ⅛ tsp | Enhances depth of flavor |
| Reserved pasta water | ½ cup | Adjusts sauce consistency |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
The first step to a great pasta dish is nailing the pasta itself.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set both aside.
Pro Tip: For a gluten-free version, use brown rice pasta or any gluten-free pasta of your choice.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
Shrimp is a delicate protein, so it cooks quickly and easily.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic (3 cloves) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp. As soon as they’re pink and slightly firm, they’re ready.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
This is where the magic happens.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic (4 cloves). Sauté for a minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the half and half and bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and slowly stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Add the dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning.
Pro Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
The pasta is ready to soak up all that creamy goodness.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss the pasta to coat it evenly in the sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
5. Add the Shrimp and Finish
The final step is bringing it all together.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and heat through for 1-2 minutes to ensure the shrimp and pasta are warm.
6. Serve and Garnish
It’s time to plate up!
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional dried basil or fresh parsley.
- For extra spice, sprinkle a few more crushed red pepper flakes on top.
Pro Tip: Pair this dish with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
Tips for Perfecting Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well, too. Just be sure to thaw it before cooking.
- Cheese Quality: Pre-shredded mozzarella is recommended for convenience, but you can also shred your own for an extra creamy sauce.
- Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s the secret to achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more red pepper flakes if you like it spicier, or omit them entirely for a milder dish.
Why This Dish is a Must-Try
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-Quality: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it feels like a gourmet meal.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of shrimp, pasta, and creamy sauce.
- Flexible: You can substitute ingredients like chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Parmesan or Asiago cheese can be used instead of mozzarella, but they’ll change the flavor slightly.
3. What can I serve with this pasta?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with this dish.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
5. Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze the sauce and shrimp separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with freshly cooked pasta.
6. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta, reduce the cheese slightly, and add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.
Conclusion: Your Next Go-To Dinner Recipe
There you have it—a simple, delicious recipe for Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, this dish delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and ease.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, cheesy, shrimp-filled goodness.
Happy cooking!
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Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta: A Decadent Meal You’ll Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal, combining succulent shrimp, tender pasta, and a luscious mozzarella sauce packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of spice. This restaurant-quality dish is ready in just 30 minutes and is perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or gluten-free brown rice pasta)
For the Shrimp:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil from a sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 1 pound shrimp (deveined and shells removed)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (without oil), chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (pre-shredded recommended)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (or more if using fresh basil)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (adjust as needed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the half and half and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce.
- Add the dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix well and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss the pasta to ensure it is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp and Finish
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and heat through for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp and pasta are warm.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional dried basil or fresh parsley.
- Sprinkle extra crushed red pepper flakes on top for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Notes
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is recommended for its creamy texture, you can use Parmesan or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes make great additions to this dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian