A rich and comforting pasta dish with juicy shrimp, creamy cheese sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly coats pasta and shrimp.

• Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, savory punch.

• Quick and easy, ready in just 35 minutes.

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion meal.

Ingredients

Pasta & Shrimp:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Kcal: 540 kcal per serving

Directions

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning; cook 2–3 minutes.

Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add pasta water if needed for desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine

Return pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Adjust with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Veggies: Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for more color and flavor.

• Cheese Swap: Use fontina or provolone for a slightly different creamy flavor.

• Make it Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

• Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely before cooking and pat dry to ensure proper searing.

What pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti all work well for this creamy sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a quick, indulgent dinner that feels luxurious yet is easy enough for a weeknight. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor — it’s sure to become a family favorite!