Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta
Imported from Instagram
30 minEasy4 servings

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta

A quick and easy creamy sun-dried tomato and shrimp pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Mise turned a cooking video on Instagram into this written step-by-step recipe — 16 ingredients, 7 steps, 30 min, with a generated photo for every step.

Time30min
LevelEasy
Servings4
Method 7 steps
01

Add the shrimp to a bowl with 2 tbs oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Mix well.

02

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

03

In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tbs oil, shallot, and sun dried tomatoes. Cook for about 4 minutes.

04

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then sprinkle in the flour and mix well.

05

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Reduce the heat to low and cook just until the sauce begins to bubble.

06

Add the romano and mix until melted. Add the shrimp and cooked pasta back to the skillet.

07

Slowly mix in the pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, then finish with fresh parsley.

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Notes

This Italian-inspired dinner centers on a velvety sauce where the concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes balances the sharp, salty profile of Romano cheese. By using the oil from the tomato jar as the primary cooking fat, the dish gains an immediate depth of flavor that usually requires hours of simmering. The shrimp are seasoned with a spice blend that provides a warm glow on the plate, while the addition of starchy pasta water at the end ensures the cream binds correctly to the noodles rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

Preparing this meal takes less than half an hour, making it an efficient choice for a weeknight. The texture remains light despite the heavy cream, provided the sauce is removed from the heat as soon as it begins to bubble. Expect a rich, savory pasta with a vibrant red hue and succulent seafood that holds its shape. It serves as a complete meal that feels more complex than its short cooking time suggests.

Before you start

  • When cooking the shrimp in the butter, remove them the moment they turn opaque and form a C-shape to avoid a rubbery, overcooked texture.
  • Monitor the flour and oil mixture closely in step four; it should form a smooth paste that smells slightly toasted but remains pale in color.
  • Whisk the heavy cream in very slowly to prevent the sauce from breaking, ensuring the dairy emulsifies completely with the oil and flour base.
  • The sauce thickens rapidly once the Romano cheese is added, so have your pasta water ready to adjust the viscosity before the cheese becomes gummy.

Swaps that work

  • Replace Romano cheese with an equal 0.125 cup of Parmesan for a milder, less salty finish that complements the sweet tomatoes.
  • Substitute the shallot with two tablespoons of finely diced yellow onion if you prefer a sharper, more traditional aromatic base for the sauce.
  • Swap the heavy cream for an equal 0.5 cups of whole milk mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch for a lighter, lower-fat sauce.

Keeping it

This pasta is best eaten immediately as the cream sauce tends to thicken and separate upon cooling. If you must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the mixture in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or water, stirring constantly until the sauce loosens. Do not freeze this dish, as the cream will grain and the shrimp will become tough.

Questions

Why is the sauce separating or looking oily?

Separation occurs if the heat is too high when adding the cream or if the cheese is added to a boiling liquid. Keep the temperature on low and stir constantly while incorporating the dairy and cheese to maintain a stable emulsion and a smooth, glossy finish.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well if they are completely thawed and patted dry with paper towels before seasoning. Excess moisture on the surface will prevent them from searing correctly in the butter, resulting in steamed seafood rather than the desired golden-brown exterior described in the method.

Is this dish spicy due to the paprika?

The recipe uses a small amount of paprika primarily for color and a mild earthy warmth. It does not provide significant heat. If you want a spicy version, you must add red pepper flakes or use a hot smoked paprika instead of the standard variety listed.

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