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Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone

Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone

Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone is a quick and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and smooth mascarpone cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of rich comfort and fresh vibrant flavors, ideal for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp & Protein

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (about 1/4 cup)

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)

Pantry & Liquids

  • 10 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
  4. Add Liquids and Mascarpone: Pour in the white wine if using, and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower the heat and stir in the mascarpone cheese until melted and smooth, forming a creamy sauce.
  5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Finish with Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
  • Use fresh garlic for the brightest flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce.
  • Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor.
  • Keep mascarpone at room temperature to prevent clumping in the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, mascarpone, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Italian recipe, weeknight meal