Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Tuscan Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces penne
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 pound shrimp (thawed, peeled, and deveined)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried onion
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan
• Chili flakes (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, dried onion, and Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1 minute per side until just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
6. Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
7. Step 7: Lower the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle with chili flakes to taste and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and drain before chopping.
• Swap penne for fusilli or rigatoni to better hold the creamy sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream.
• Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness.
• If you like spice, increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear properly.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or water with a bit of extra seasoning if you don’t have chicken broth on hand.

Tuscan Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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5 from 124 reviews

This Tuscan Shrimp Pasta combines tender, perfectly seared shrimp with a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Served over al dente penne pasta, this flavorful dish is elevated with aromatic Italian seasonings and a touch of chili flakes for a subtle kick, making it an irresistible, comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 10 ounces penne

Shrimp and Seasoning

• 1 pound shrimp (thawed, peeled and deveined)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried onion
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan
• Chili flakes (for serving)

Instructions

1. Boiling pasta: Begin by boiling the penne in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water for later use.
2. Preparing shrimp and aromatics: While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Place the shrimp in a bowl and season thoroughly with salt, coarsely ground black pepper, sweet paprika, garlic powder, dried onion, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coating.
3. Searing shrimp: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and sear each side for about 1 minute until just cooked and lightly browned. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Deglazing the skillet: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let this simmer for 1 minute to concentrate flavors.
5. Building the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to integrate the flavors. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts down.
6. Simmering with cream: Pour in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2 minutes, thickening slightly and melding the flavors together.
7. Finishing the dish: Lower the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Add the drained pasta and seared shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If needed, loosen the sauce with a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water for desired consistency.
8. Serving: Plate the Tuscan Shrimp Pasta and finish with a sprinkle of chili flakes to provide a subtle heat. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal!

Notes

• Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during searing to avoid toughness.
• Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy richness; opt for oil-packed ones for extra flavor if available.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for creamier sauce and better melting.
• Chili flakes are optional, adjust to your heat preference.

Keywords: Tuscan shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, penne with shrimp, sun-dried tomato pasta, Italian shrimp recipe, quick pasta dinner, creamy tomato pasta