⭐ Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Pasta
8 oz (about 225 g) pasta of your choice
(linguine, penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well)
For the Shrimp & Sauce
1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained slightly)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1–1½ cups fresh spinach
½ cup reserved pasta water
Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp
In a large pan:
Heat olive oil + butter over medium heat.
Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink.
Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Using the same pan:
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes.
Pour in the cream and stir to combine.
Add Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
4. Add Spinach
Stir in the spinach until it softens and wilts, 1–2 minutes.
5. Combine Everything
Add:
Cooked pasta
Shrimp
Pour in a splash of pasta water (about 2–4 tablespoons) to loosen the sauce if needed.
Toss everything together until creamy and well-coated.
6. Taste & Adjust
Add extra:
Salt
Pepper
Parmesan
Pasta water
as needed.
Finish with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
🌟 Why This Recipe Works So Well
Sun-dried tomatoes add deep, intense flavor
Parmesan + cream make a dreamy, silky sauce
Shrimp cooks quickly and gives protein
Spinach adds freshness and color
Pasta water helps create a perfect saucy texture
It’s a simple dish that tastes like restaurant-level comfort food.
💡 Optional Add-Ins
Sliced mushrooms
Fresh basil
Broccoli florets
Lemon zest for brightness
Cherry tomatoes (fresh or roasted)
🧊 Storage
Fridge: 2–3 days in an airtight container
Reheat: Add a splash of milk or water to make the sauce creamy again
(Not ideal for freezing because cream sauces can separate.)
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
Garlic bread
A simple green salad
Steamed broccoli
Roasted asparagus