Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable, look no further than Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta. This dish combines tender, perfectly cooked shrimp with a luscious mozzarella cheese alfredo sauce, accented by sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, and a gentle kick of red pepper flakes. It’s a modern twist on classic shrimp pasta, offering the creamy comfort of Italian-style pasta with a fresh, flavorful seafood finish.

Whether it’s a weeknight meal for the family, a casual dinner party with friends, or a special weekend treat, this pasta delivers both visual appeal and irresistible taste. And the best part? With a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into why this recipe has quickly become a favorite for home cooks everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly cooked shrimp every time: Tender, juicy, and never rubbery.
• Creamy, cheesy sauce: Made from scratch with mozzarella for a rich, velvety texture.
• Flavor-packed but approachable: Sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and paprika elevate the dish without overwhelming.
• Customizable: Gluten-free pasta options or spice adjustments make it versatile for any household.
• Quick yet impressive: Ready in just an hour, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
• Family-friendly: Appealing to adults and kids alike, with a comforting, creamy base.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need for this recipe, organized for clarity. This serves 4 people.

Pasta

• 8 oz penne pasta
• For a gluten-free version, use 8 oz gluten-free brown rice pasta

Shrimp

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (either drained from sun-dried tomatoes jar or regular olive oil)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

• 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (without oil)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup half and half (or ½ cup milk + ½ cup heavy cream)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim, pre-shredded; do not use fresh mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil (or more if using fresh)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more as needed)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for shrimp and sauce
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Small bowl for reserved pasta water
• Tongs or spatula for flipping shrimp
• Whisk or spoon for mixing sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect creamy mozzarella shrimp pasta.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook 8 oz penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This will help adjust the sauce consistency later.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. If using sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drain the tomatoes and reserve 2 tablespoons of the oil. Otherwise, use 2 tablespoons of regular olive oil.
2. Heat the 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add 1 pound of shrimp and 3 minced garlic cloves.
4. Cook shrimp on one side for 1 minute, sprinkling ¼ teaspoon salt evenly over each shrimp.
5. Flip shrimp and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until shrimp is golden or pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Remove shrimp to a plate, leaving the oil in the skillet for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

1. To the same skillet, add 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes and 4 minced garlic cloves.
2. Sauté on medium heat for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant.
3. Pour in 1 cup half and half and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella and stir quickly while boiling. Immediately reduce heat to low to simmer.
5. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and a creamy sauce forms.
6. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water or additional half-and-half until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Stir in 1 tablespoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ⅛ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt, tasting and adjusting as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and reheat gently over medium heat.
2. Add the cooked shrimp and stir to combine.
3. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or half-and-half.
4. Let everything simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve pasta immediately on warm plates.
2. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
3. Make sure to season to taste just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts.
• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a cashew cream base and vegan mozzarella alternatives.
• Gluten-Free: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta.
• Adjust Spice: Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to taste.
• Add Extra Flavor: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This pasta is creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy from sun-dried tomatoes, with the subtle heat of red pepper flakes. The mozzarella creates a smooth, stretchy texture that clings perfectly to the penne. Serve with:

• Grilled or roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp green salad

Nutritional Overview

Per serving:

• Calories: 632 kcal
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 330 mg
• Sodium: 1,449 mg
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 12 g
• Protein: 43 g

Dietary considerations: Contains dairy and seafood. Gluten-free option available.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook pasta in advance and store separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Shrimp can be prepped and marinated a few hours in advance.
• Sauce is best made fresh but can be lightly reheated with a splash of half-and-half or pasta water.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
No. Fresh mozzarella has too much moisture and will make the sauce watery. Use low-moisture pre-shredded mozzarella.

2. How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp briefly on high heat. It should be pink and opaque, with a slight golden sear. Remove promptly to avoid rubberiness.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prep pasta and shrimp separately. Combine with freshly made sauce before serving.

4. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne is ideal, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work. Adjust cooking time as needed.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of pasta water.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Description
Prep	15 min	Chop garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and gather ingredients
Pasta	10 min	Boil pasta, reserve water
Shrimp	5 min	Sauté shrimp with garlic and salt
Sauce	10 min	Cook sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, half-and-half, and mozzarella
Assembly	5 min	Combine pasta, shrimp, and sauce, simmer briefly

Serving Suggestions

• Plate pasta in deep bowls for a cozy presentation.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and aroma.
• Pair with a side of grilled zucchini or roasted peppers for added texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning to shrimp and sauce.
2. Lemon Basil Twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and zest to sauce.
3. Veggie-Packed: Toss in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
4. Garlic Parmesan Upgrade: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the finished dish for extra richness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Selection: Choose firm, deep red tomatoes with no excess oil.
• Storage: Store in airtight jars or vacuum-sealed packages; refrigerate after opening.
• Usage Tip: Drain excess oil to prevent greasy sauce and maintain balance.

Mozzarella Cheese

• Selection: Use low-moisture, part-skim shredded mozzarella.
• Storage: Keep in original packaging or airtight container in fridge.
• Usage Tip: Avoid fresh mozzarella to prevent watery sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use medium-high heat for shrimp to get a golden sear while keeping interiors tender.
• Always reserve pasta water—it’s the secret to a perfectly smooth, clingy sauce.
• Constant stirring while melting cheese prevents clumping and ensures a creamy texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Pasta: Cooked pasta can be frozen up to 1 month. Reheat gently with reserved pasta water.
• Shrimp: Fully cooked shrimp freezes well for 1 month; thaw in fridge before reheating.
• Sauce: Best fresh; can be frozen separately for up to 2 weeks in airtight containers.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	632 kcal	–
Protein	43 g	86%
Carbohydrates	63 g	21%
Fat	23 g	35%
Saturated Fat	9 g	56%
Fiber	5 g	21%
Sugar	12 g	13%
Sodium	1,449 mg	63%
Cholesterol	330 mg	110%
Calcium	444 mg	44%
Iron	6.8 mg	38%

*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Expanded Conclusion

Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special and dinner parties unforgettable. The combination of tender shrimp, gooey mozzarella, and aromatic sun-dried tomatoes elevates pasta into a luxurious meal.

This recipe is forgiving, customizable, and approachable for cooks of all levels. With careful attention to the shrimp, sauce, and seasoning, you can create a dinner that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant—all from your own kitchen.

Try it, share it, and make this creamy, cheesy seafood pasta a staple in your culinary repertoire. Your family and friends will thank you.

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