Easy Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone

Discover a creamy, flavorful Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone that’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners. This delightful dish brings together succulent shrimp, the rich sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious mascarpone sauce that creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes you will absolutely adore. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when time is precious.
• Creamy and Flavorful: Mascarpone adds richness without heaviness, balancing the bright tang of sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customized with your favorite herbs, pasta shapes, or even veggies for variety.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein-packed shrimp and wholesome pasta, making it a well-rounded meal.
• Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: A comforting, restaurant-quality dish that feels special yet is so simple to pull off.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone plays a key role, contributing layers of texture, flavor, and color. The simplicity of these essentials makes this recipe accessible without sacrificing any deliciousness.

• Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined, for juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with savory sweetness and vibrant color, they add depth and tangy brightness.
• Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy heart of the sauce, it brings a silky texture and mild flavor.
• Pasta: Choose your favorite shape; fettuccine or linguine work beautifully to hold the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing shrimp and garlic, adding a smooth richness.
• White Wine or Broth: Deglazes the pan creating a light, flavorful base before adding mascarpone.
• Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley to finish, brightening the dish with fresh herbal notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.

Variations for Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Whether you want to tweak it for dietary preferences or add new flavor twists, these variations are easy and delicious.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a meat-free delight.
• Extra Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale just before serving for added color and nutrients.
• Different Cheese: Swap mascarpone for cream cheese or ricotta for a slightly different creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing flavor.

How to Make Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes to infuse their flavor into the oil.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in white wine or broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor. Let the liquid reduce slightly before lowering the heat.

Step 5: Add Mascarpone and Combine

Stir in the mascarpone cheese, allowing it to melt into a smooth sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Toss Pasta and Shrimp

Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, gently tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a bright, herbal finish before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone

• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast, so watch carefully—it turns rubbery if left too long.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
• Use Quality Mascarpone: Fresh, high-quality mascarpone ensures the creamiest sauce.
• Chop Tomatoes Finely: Smaller pieces distribute flavor better throughout the pasta.
• Fresh Herbs at the End: Adding herbs at the end keeps their flavor fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone

Garnishes

Top your dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped basil, or a few red pepper flakes for a finishing touch that elevates both appearance and taste.

Side Dishes

Pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to keep the meal light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in warm bowls with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten every bite with a fresh zest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring to separate any garnishes to keep them fresh.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Pasta texture may change upon reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy sauce without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to get the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

You can substitute with cream cheese or ricotta, but mascarpone gives a uniquely smooth and rich texture that’s hard to replicate.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give it the perfect spicy kick according to your taste.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and the recipe remains just as tasty.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat moderate when adding mascarpone and stir constantly to blend it smoothly without curdling.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone is exactly the kind of meal you want in your dinner arsenal—fast, flavorful, and beautifully creamy. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create something that feels both comforting and gourmet. Give it a try, and watch it become your go-to recipe for those nights when you want a touch of indulgence without the fuss!

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