Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone
Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone combines tender shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and rich mascarpone cheese to create a speedy, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish perfect for any busy weeknight.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free pasta)
Shrimp and Protein
- 12 oz fresh or frozen peeled shrimp
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Optional: baby spinach or arugula (1 cup)
Dairy
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook your chosen pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to release their flavorful oils.
- Add Mascarpone and Seasonings: Lower the heat and stir mascarpone cheese into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water little by little to create a creamy sauce. Mix in lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss well until every strand is glistening with the luscious sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness, then serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Use high-quality mascarpone for best creamy texture.
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely to evenly distribute flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, acidity, and spice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg
Keywords: Shrimp pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, mascarpone, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta, easy shrimp recipe