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Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone

Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone
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Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Mascarpone combines tender shrimp and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a smooth mascarpone sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. This rich yet balanced dish is quick to prepare and ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, offering a delightful combination of textures and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp & Protein

  • 12 oz fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables & Flavorings

  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese

Pasta & Liquids

  • 8 oz linguine, fettuccine, or preferred pasta
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • Reserved pasta water, as needed to adjust sauce

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce later if needed.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  3. Build the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Pour in white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits, and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Incorporate Mascarpone: Lower the heat and stir in the mascarpone cheese until it melts smoothly into a creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a smooth, silky consistency.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then toss in the drained pasta. Stir gently to evenly coat the pasta and shrimp with the creamy sauce. Finish by stirring in fresh herbs and adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
  • Use quality, fresh mascarpone for the best flavor and texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
  • Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add more flavor and do not require rehydration.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to brighten the dish and add a fresh touch.
  • To make the dish dairy-free, substitute mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use olive oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, mascarpone sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Italian seafood pasta, easy pasta recipe, gluten-free pasta dish

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/shrimp-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-mascarpone/