This Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta combines succulent shrimp with a rich, cheesy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic garlic. The velvety texture of the mozzarella sauce perfectly coats each piece of penne pasta, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The delicate balance of flavors—from the sweetness of the shrimp to the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes—makes this a standout dinner option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
• Restaurant-quality flavor with simple, accessible ingredients
• Versatile recipe that can be easily customized with different proteins or vegetables
• The creamy mozzarella sauce is utterly irresistible without being overly heavy
• Makes impressive leftovers that reheat beautifully for lunch the next day

Ingredients

• Pasta: Penne pasta works wonderfully with this creamy sauce, as the ridges and tubular shape capture the sauce perfectly. For a gluten-free option, brown rice pasta makes an excellent substitute.
• Shrimp: Look for medium to large shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save prep time. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work well in this recipe.
• Olive Oil: Using the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar adds an extra layer of flavor, but regular olive oil works perfectly too.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe, providing aromatic depth to both the shrimp and the sauce. Pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch, but fresh will give you the best flavor.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: These concentrated flavor bombs add tanginess and depth to the sauce. Oil-packed varieties tend to be more tender and flavorful than dry-packed.
• Half and Half: Creates the perfect creamy base without being as heavy as full cream. For a lighter version, you could use whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Pre-shredded mozzarella melts beautifully into the sauce. Fresh mozzarella contains too much moisture and won’t integrate properly into the sauce.
• Dried Basil: Infuses the sauce with classic Italian flavor. If using fresh basil instead, add it at the end of cooking and use about three times the amount.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a pleasant heat that balances the richness of the sauce. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Always taste before adding the full amount, as the cheese and sun-dried tomatoes already contain salt.

Variations

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Substitute the shrimp with bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Cook the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through before removing from the pan. The cooking time will be slightly longer than shrimp, about 5-6 minutes total.

Vegetarian Delight

Skip the seafood and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version. Sauté the vegetables until tender before making the sauce, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Spicy Vodka Sauce Version

Transform this into a vodka sauce by adding 1/4 cup of vodka to the pan after sautéing the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Let it reduce by half before adding the half and half. Increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat. This creates a more complex flavor profile with a delightful kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes 9-11 minutes in salted boiling water. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water to help thin the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and minced garlic, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for about 1 minute on the first side until pink or golden, then sprinkle with salt. Flip and cook for another 30-60 seconds until just cooked through. The shrimp should be opaque and slightly curled but not rubbery. Remove to a plate, leaving the flavorful oil in the skillet.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet with the residual oil, add the sun-dried tomatoes and additional minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the half and half and bring to a gentle boil. Quickly add the shredded mozzarella while stirring constantly, then reduce to a simmer. Continue stirring until the cheese completely melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with dried basil, red pepper flakes, paprika, and salt, adjusting to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and gently fold everything together. Let the dish simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – they only need about 1-2 minutes total cooking time or they’ll become tough and rubbery
• Heat your skillet properly before adding the shrimp to ensure they sear rather than steam
• When making the sauce, add the cheese gradually while stirring constantly to prevent clumping
• Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency – it contains starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta
• Pat the sun-dried tomatoes with paper towels if they’re particularly oil-heavy to prevent an overly oily sauce
• For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the half and half

How to Serve

Serve this creamy shrimp pasta in warmed bowls to keep it hot longer. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy flavors beautifully. For a special touch, offer freshly grated Parmesan at the table for guests to add according to their preference.

Make Ahead

While this dish is best enjoyed freshly made, you can prep several components ahead of time. Clean and devein the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. The sun-dried tomatoes and garlic can be chopped and stored in separate containers. You can even pre-cook the pasta, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, and warm gently over medium-low heat or in short intervals in the microwave to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because the sauce gets trapped inside the tubes, other short pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni work great too. Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine can also be used for a different presentation.

What can I substitute for half and half?

If you don’t have half and half, you can make your own by mixing equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. For a lighter version, you can use whole milk alone, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk can work, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture will prevent proper searing and can make your sauce watery.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming stringy?

To achieve a smooth cheese sauce, make sure to use pre-shredded mozzarella (not fresh), add it gradually while the half and half is hot but not boiling, and stir continuously. If your sauce does become stringy, a splash of lemon juice can sometimes help break down the proteins and smooth it out.

Conclusion

This Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta combines the best elements of comfort food with impressive flavor. The rich, cheesy sauce punctuated with sun-dried tomatoes creates the perfect backdrop for tender, garlicky shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving something delicious on a weeknight, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The balance of creamy, tangy, and savory elements makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Try it tonight and discover your new favorite pasta dish!

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