Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta (Printable Version)
Juicy sautéed shrimp with a luxurious parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs clinging to perfectly cooked pasta.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
→ Protein
02 - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Sauce Base
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons butter
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining oil and butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute.
04 - Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
05 - Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
06 - Return shrimp to the pan, mix well, and heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Takes only 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple ingredients that create complex flavors
- The sauce is luxuriously creamy without being heavy
- Perfectly seasoned shrimp adds protein and substance
- Versatile enough for both weeknight meals and special occasions
- Leftovers reheat beautifully (if there are any!)
02 -
- Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids
- Sun-dried tomatoes offer concentrated lycopene, a powerful antioxidant
- Making your own cream sauce eliminates preservatives found in jarred varieties
- The calcium from Parmesan cheese helps build strong bones
- This dish provides a complete meal with protein, carbohydrates, and fats for sustained energy
- Fresh garlic contains allicin, which has natural antibacterial properties