Name: Creamy Basil Shrimp Penne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta (use gluten-free brown rice pasta for a gluten-free version); 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably from sun-dried tomatoes jar); 1 pound shrimp, deveined and shells removed; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, without oil; 1 cup half and half; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (use pre-shredded Mozzarella, not fresh); 1 tablespoon dried basil (use more if fresh); ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, add more to taste; ⅛ teaspoon paprika; ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more, as needed); Additional ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Description

Delight your palate with the exquisite taste of Creamy Basil Shrimp Penne, a perfect blend of juicy shrimp and penne pasta draped in a luscious mozzarella sauce. Infused with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic basil, this dish serves as an ideal option for a special yet easy-to-prepare home-cooked meal. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a session of family bonding, this recipe promises a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta (use gluten-free brown rice pasta for a gluten-free version)
2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
1 pound shrimp, deveined and shells removed
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, without oil
1 cup half and half
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (use pre-shredded Mozzarella, not fresh)
1 tablespoon dried basil (use more if fresh)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, add more to taste
⅛ teaspoon paprika
½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more, as needed)
Additional ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and half of the minced garlic. Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute on one side until they turn pink or golden brown, then season with ¼ teaspoon salt. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside, keeping the oil in the skillet.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Using the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes and the remaining garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Pour the half and half into the skillet and bring to a boil. Add the mozzarella cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce’s thickness by adding a little more half and half or the reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in the dried basil, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Gradually add an additional ¼ teaspoon of salt, adjusting according to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Shrimp Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Gently reheat on medium, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, mix, and allow all ingredients to heat together for a few minutes to blend the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water or half and half.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes