Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta

This Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of indulgent, creamy, and flavorful. The shrimp are cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich mozzarella-based sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s an easy-to-make dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Whether it’s a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this creamy shrimp pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:
8 oz penne pasta (use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version)

For the Shrimp:
2 tbsp olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes or regular olive oil)
1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
¼ tsp salt

For the Creamy Sauce:
4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (without oil)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup half and half
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (do not use fresh mozzarella)
1 tbsp dried basil (or more if using fresh basil)
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (add more to taste)
⅛ tsp paprika
½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more as needed)
¼ tsp salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

2. Reserve some of the cooked pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil (from sun-dried tomatoes or regular olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the shrimp and minced garlic to the skillet.

3. Cook the shrimp on one side for about 1 minute, until golden brown. Sprinkle with salt while cooking.

4. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until golden on both sides.

5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.

Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes and more minced garlic.

2. Sauté for 1 minute on medium heat until fragrant.

3. Add the half and half to the skillet and bring to a boil.

4. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring to melt into the sauce.

5. Once the cheese is melted, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy.

6. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency.

7. Stir in the basil, red pepper flakes, paprika, and ¼ tsp salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Pasta:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine, heating gently.

2. Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir them into the pasta and sauce.

3. Let everything simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors.

Serve:

1. Serve the creamy mozzarella shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

1. Vegetable Add-ins: Add spinach, peas, or zucchini to the pasta for extra veggies and flavor.

2. Extra Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken or scallops, or use both for a seafood feast.

3. More Heat: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the spice level.

4. Cheese Swap: Use other types of cheese like parmesan, gouda, or even a creamy goat cheese for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, but you can freeze the shrimp separately and combine it with freshly made pasta and sauce later.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave it in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or farfalle, depending on your preference.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella?

It’s best to use shredded mozzarella for this recipe because it melts more smoothly into the sauce. Fresh mozzarella may not blend as well into the creamy sauce.

Can I use regular milk instead of half-and-half?

Yes, you can use regular milk instead of half-and-half, but the sauce may be a bit thinner and less creamy. To compensate, you can add a little more shredded cheese.

How do I know when the shrimp is done?

Shrimp cooks very quickly. It’s done when it turns pink and opaque, typically after 1-2 minutes per side.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the pasta and sauce are best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance and simply combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is an indulgent and comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The creamy mozzarella sauce, combined with the savory shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, creates a rich and satisfying meal. Easy to make and full of flavor, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal!

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