Laura Mariano
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp with Spinach Pasta
This dish is both a weeknight hero and a dinner-party star. It’s quick enough to prepare after a busy day yet elegant enough to impress guests. The combination of succulent shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach creates a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition.
The appeal lies in its layers: tender shrimp seared to perfection, sun-dried tomatoes adding bursts of umami, and a velvety cream sauce that ties everything together. Fresh spinach lightens the dish, while pasta provides a hearty base that absorbs all the flavors.
Whether served with crusty bread and a glass of wine or enjoyed as a comforting solo meal, this pasta is versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it blends Mediterranean flavors with Italian pasta tradition. The sun-dried tomatoes bring tangy depth, while shrimp adds sweetness and briny freshness. Spinach balances the richness of the cream sauce, ensuring the dish feels indulgent yet wholesome.
It’s quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes—but delivers restaurant-quality results. The sauce clings beautifully to pasta, creating a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Tip: Shrimp cooks in minutes, so avoid overcooking to preserve its tender texture.
This recipe is special because it elevates everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining, making it a true kitchen staple.
Cultural & Culinary Background
Sun-dried tomatoes have long been a staple in Italian cuisine, prized for their concentrated flavor and ability to add depth to sauces, salads, and pasta dishes. Their tangy, umami-rich taste pairs beautifully with creamy bases, making them a natural fit for this recipe.
Shrimp pasta, meanwhile, is a coastal Mediterranean classic. In regions along the Italian and Spanish coasts, seafood is often combined with pasta to create dishes that highlight freshness and simplicity. Shrimp’s sweet, briny flavor makes it a popular choice, offering both elegance and comfort.
Spinach adds a layer of freshness and balance, reflecting Mediterranean traditions of incorporating leafy greens into rich dishes. Its earthy notes cut through the creaminess, ensuring the dish remains light and vibrant.
Together, these ingredients create a recipe that celebrates Mediterranean flavors while embracing Italian pasta tradition. It’s a dish that feels timeless yet modern, perfect for today’s kitchens.
Flavor Profile Breakdown
- Shrimp: Sweet, briny, and tender, providing the protein base.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy, umami-rich bursts that elevate the sauce.
- Cream Sauce: Velvety and savory, tying all elements together.
- Spinach: Earthy, fresh contrast that balances richness.
- Pasta: Hearty base that absorbs sauce and delivers comfort.
Together, these flavors create a dish that’s indulgent yet balanced. The shrimp and tomatoes provide bold notes, while the cream and spinach soften and round out the profile.
Pro Tip: Add freshly grated Parmesan for nutty depth and extra richness.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Sear Shrimp Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Build Sauce Pour in heavy cream and a splash of chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Add Spinach Toss in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.
Step 5: Combine Return shrimp to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve Top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
Tip: Reserve pasta water—it helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Shrimp: Leads to rubbery texture. Cook just until pink.
- Adding Spinach Too Early: Results in mushy greens. Add at the end.
- Using Too Much Cream: Makes sauce heavy. Balance with broth and spinach.
- Skipping Pasta Water: Sauce won’t cling properly. Always reserve some.
Tip: Taste sauce before serving—it should be balanced, not overly salty or heavy.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp with Spinach Pasta – Easy Mediterranean Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly.
- Build Sauce: Stir in cream, broth, and Parmesan. Simmer until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add Spinach: Toss in spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Combine: Return shrimp to skillet. Add pasta and toss, adjusting sauce with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Add mushrooms for earthy depth.
- Swap shrimp for chicken if preferred.
- Use chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Coconut milk works for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-free pasta makes it accessible for all diets.
- Refresh leftovers with extra spinach before serving.
