Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
Course: Main, DinnerCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: MediumServings
4
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
30
minutesCalories
632
kcalIngredients
- For Pasta
8 oz. penne pasta
- For Shrimp
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined)
2 tablespoons olive oil (drained from sun-dried tomatoes jar or just use regular olive oil)
3 garlic cloves minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
- For Creamy Sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded (do not use fresh Mozzarella, use pre-shredded Mozzarella)
4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes (without oil)
1 cup half and half
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon dried basil (if using fresh basil you can add more)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed, add more to taste
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some cooked pasta water for later. Drain and set aside.
- To Cook Shrimp
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil (reserved from sun-dried tomatoes jar or regular olive oil) in a large skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and minced garlic. Fry for about 1 minute on each side, until shrimp turns pink or golden brown. Sprinkle with salt.
- Flip over and sear the other side for about 30 seconds or 1 minute more. Transfer shrimp to a plate, reserve oil in skillet.
- To Make Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic to skillet. Stir-fry on medium heat for 1 minute, until garlic is fragrant.
- Add in half and half and bring to boil. Stir in shredded cheese to combine.
- Immediately reduce to simmer. Continue to cook until cheese is melted and sauce thickens. Add a bit more half and half or cooked pasta water, if needed.
- Stir in basil, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt gradually, stirring on low heat and tasting.
- To Assemble
- Add cooked pasta to skillet, and reheat gently on medium heat. Return cooked shrimp and stir it in. Taste, and season with more salt, if needed.
- Let simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes for flavors to combine.
- Serve!
