Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
A delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, perfect for date nights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, sliced Adds a sweet, tangy burst of flavor.
- 4 tablespoons tomato oil Divided, rich and aromatic.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed Juicy and tender.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Essential for seasoning.
- 16 ounces rigatoni or penne pasta Sturdy shape that holds the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped Adds depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Thickens the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes For a hint of heat.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Adds savory depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream Gives a luxurious texture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Classic herb touch.
- 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach Balances the dish.
- 1 ounce Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup) Nutty flavor for complement.
- Torn fresh basil For serving.
Instructions
Cooking the Shrimp
- In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of tomato oil.
- Season the shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer them to a plate.
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, add the remaining tomato oil.
- Cook the finely chopped garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes over medium heat until the paste deepens in color, about 1 minute.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Add the spinach and stir until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed shrimp and grated Parmesan in the skillet.
- Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste and let the dish sit covered for an additional 2-3 minutes off the heat.
Serving
- Serve the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta topped with torn basil and extra grated Parmesan.
Notes
For a restaurant-quality experience, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest before serving. Fresh herbs will enhance aroma and presentation.