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.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: shrimp pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, mascarpone, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Italian recipe, weeknight meal