Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach
Tender shrimp and pasta tossed in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach. A comforting, Italian-inspired dinner made simple.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or fettuccine
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, sliced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: red pepper flakes fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season shrimp evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute, stirring gently.
- Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
- Toss in cooked pasta and shrimp, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Protein swaps: Chicken or salmon work well in place of shrimp.
- Extra vegetables: Mushrooms or zucchini add great texture.
- Pasta choices: Whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used.
- Flavor boost: A pinch of lemon zest brightens the sauce beautifully.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate once thawed.