Description
This Shrimp Pasta recipe is a decadent and flavorful dish combining succulent extra large shrimp with a creamy tomato and sun-dried tomato sauce, infused with Italian herbs and spices. Served over gluten-free penne pasta and finished with fresh basil and parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound extra large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tbsp Cento tomato paste
- 1/2 cup Cento sun-dried tomatoes (diced)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/3 tsp sweet smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp gluten free 1:1 flour
- 2 cups diced spinach
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp minced onion
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (chopped for garnish)
Pasta
- 12 oz gluten free penne
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Cook the gluten free penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium bowl with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink, opaque, and form a C-shape. Remove from skillet and set aside to cool.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan on medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, minced onion, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and dried basil. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in gluten free flour to the aromatics, mixing well. Gradually add vegetable broth, heavy cream, and diced spinach, stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens and spinach wilts, around 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Stir parmesan cheese into the thickened sauce until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Carefully mix the cooked penne pasta into the sauce. Then fold in the cooked shrimp, stirring gently to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp; they should be pink, opaque, and C-shaped for tenderness.
- Using gluten free penne and gluten free flour keeps the dish suitable for gluten-intolerant diets.
- Sun-dried tomato oil adds a rich, savory depth to the shrimp and sauce; save it from the jar for maximum flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt.
- Leftover pasta can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Shrimp pasta, gluten free pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, sun-dried tomato shrimp, Italian shrimp pasta, easy shrimp dinner
