Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta: 5 Ingredients for Blissful Joy

Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both creamy and comforting, let me tell you about my Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta! This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and it’s no surprise why. It brings together succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety mozzarella sauce that just wraps around each bite like a warm hug. Seriously, what’s not to love?

It’s incredibly easy to whip up, too! I still remember the first time I made it. I had friends over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them without spending all day in the kitchen. I was a bit nervous, but once I got into the rhythm of sautéing the shrimp and stirring that creamy sauce, it was pure magic. The kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and by the time I served it, my friends were practically drooling. The smiles on their faces as they took that first bite? Priceless!

So, trust me when I say, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home, too. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. Let’s dive into how to make this deliciousness happen!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your very own Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta. I promise, these ingredients come together to make something truly special!

• 8 oz penne pasta (feel free to use gluten-free brown rice pasta if needed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (you can use the oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor, or regular olive oil)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (make sure they’re nice and fresh!)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (you can adjust this later to suit your taste)
• 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (these add a lovely tang)
• 1 cup half-and-half (this is the secret to that creamy sauce)
• 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella (not fresh mozzarella, trust me on this one!)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil (if you have fresh basil, feel free to use more)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add more if you like a kick!)
• ⅛ teaspoon paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (or more as needed to get the sauce just right)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste at the end)

Gather these ingredients, and you’re one step closer to a delicious meal! It’s simple, straightforward, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta

Alright, let’s get you all set to whip up this amazing Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where you’ll cook your pasta. I usually use penne, but feel free to swap it out for your favorite shape! Once the water’s bubbling, toss in 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. You want it firm but not crunchy, so keep an eye on it. Remember to reserve about ½ cup of that glorious pasta water before draining – it’s liquid gold for your sauce!

Now, let’s move on to the shrimp. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. If you’ve got some oil from sun-dried tomatoes, use that for an extra kick of flavor! Once the oil’s hot, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; we’re looking for that beautiful golden sear. Sprinkle with a little salt and let them cook for about 1 minute until they’re pink and golden on one side. Flip them over and cook for another 30-60 seconds. You want them just cooked through, so be careful not to overdo it! Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, toss in 4 ounces of chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté those for about a minute until they’re fragrant and your kitchen smells heavenly! Next, pour in 1 cup of half-and-half and bring it to a gentle boil. It’s time for the magic! Stir in 1 cup of shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until it’s melted and forms a creamy sauce. If it gets too thick, don’t panic! Just add a splash of that reserved pasta water or a little more half-and-half until you achieve the desired consistency.

Once your sauce is creamy and dreamy, add in the cooked pasta, tossing gently to coat it in all that deliciousness. Now, it’s time to bring back the shrimp! Add them back to the skillet and let everything simmer on low for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Give it a taste and adjust the salt if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, remember to add a bit more of that pasta water to loosen it up.

And just like that, your Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is ready to shine! Serve it hot and enjoy the delighted faces of everyone at your table. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta is truly a gem in my recipe collection, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it, too! Here’s why it’s such a hit in my kitchen:

• Quick Cooking Time: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can make this dish shine.
• Irresistibly Creamy Texture: The combination of half-and-half and mozzarella creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
• Flavor Explosion: The garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and shrimp all come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor!
• Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste, whether you want to add veggies or spice it up with more red pepper flakes.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it up in a beautiful bowl, and your family and friends will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Honestly, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds! You’ll see why this dish has earned a permanent spot in my rotation.

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to dive into making your Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta, let me share some of my best tips to ensure your dish turns out absolutely perfect every time!

Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Cooking shrimp might seem tricky at first, but it’s really all about timing! The best way to get that gorgeous golden color is to make sure your shrimp are in a single layer in the skillet. If you overcrowd the pan, they’ll steam instead of sear, and we definitely don’t want that! Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque – usually about 1-2 minutes per side. Remember, they’ll continue cooking a bit after you take them off the heat, so don’t overdo it!

Achieving the Right Sauce Consistency

As you stir in the mozzarella, keep an eye on the sauce’s thickness. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water or a bit more half-and-half until it reaches that creamy, dreamy texture we’re after. The pasta water is a game changer – it’s starchy and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta!

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! If you’re out of half-and-half, you can easily substitute it with a combination of ½ cup milk and ½ cup heavy cream. It’ll still give you that luscious creaminess. And if you can’t find low-moisture mozzarella, a good quality shredded Italian blend will work, too. Just make sure to steer clear of fresh mozzarella, as it won’t melt into that creamy sauce we love!

Adding Extra Flavor

If you want to elevate the flavors even more, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the half-and-half. The wine adds a lovely depth that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and mozzarella!

Fresh Herbs and Veggies

Don’t hesitate to throw in some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a nutritious boost! You can add them right before you mix in the pasta, allowing them to wilt slightly in the heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil sprinkled on top before serving also add a pop of color and freshness!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to taste along the way. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up with your Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta, I’ve got some delightful variations for you to try! These tweaks can add new flavors and make this dish even more exciting!

Different Pasta Types

While I love using penne for its perfect sauce-hugging shape, you can easily swap it for your favorite pasta! Try fusilli for extra twirls of sauce or spaghetti for a classic touch. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also work beautifully if you have dietary preferences. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!

Adding Vegetables

Vegetables are a fantastic way to bring freshness and nutrition to your dish. Consider tossing in some fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking to wilt it down. You could also add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst. Zucchini noodles can even substitute part of the pasta for a lighter option!

Herb Swaps and Additions

Herbs can elevate your Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta to a whole new level! Instead of dried basil, try using fresh basil for a vibrant taste. Chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of fresh thyme can add a nice twist. If you’re feeling bold, throw in some fresh dill for a unique flavor that pairs well with shrimp.

Cheese Alternatives

While mozzarella is heavenly, you can experiment with different cheeses! A blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano can add a sharp, salty kick to the sauce. Just remember, if you go this route, adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly!

Spice It Up!

If you love a kick, don’t hesitate to amp up the heat! Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also consider drizzling a little sriracha on top just before serving for an extra spicy touch.

These variations make it easy to personalize your Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta to your taste or whatever you have on hand. So, get creative and have fun with it! Your taste buds will thank you!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional breakdown of my beloved Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta! This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also gives you a hearty dose of goodness. Here’s the estimated nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 632
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 12 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Sodium: 1449 mg
• Cholesterol: 330 mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to adjust based on your dietary needs. But with all that creamy, cheesy goodness and the protein from the shrimp, you’re in for a delightful meal that feels indulgent yet balanced! Enjoy every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep your leftover Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta tasting just as delicious as the first day you made it! Proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining that creamy goodness.

First things first, once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. It’s super important to avoid putting hot food directly into the fridge, as it can raise the temperature inside and affect other stored foods. Once cooled, transfer your pasta to an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers for a more eco-friendly and microwave-friendly option!

In the fridge, your Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta will stay good for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It should be fine in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now, let’s move on to reheating! If you’re using the microwave, transfer your portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or some additional half-and-half to help bring back that creamy texture, then cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Don’t rush this part; you want that lovely creaminess back!

If you prefer reheating on the stovetop, pour your pasta into a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or half-and-half to help loosen the sauce, stirring gently until heated through. This method is great because it allows you to keep a close eye on the texture, ensuring it stays nice and creamy.

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta without losing its delightful flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of low-moisture mozzarella in this recipe?
I wouldn’t recommend it! Fresh mozzarella doesn’t melt into that creamy sauce like low-moisture mozzarella does. Stick with the low-moisture version for that perfect, silky texture in your Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta.

Q2. What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries! If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, you can use roasted red peppers for a different yet delicious flavor. Just chop them up and toss them in the same way as you would the sun-dried tomatoes.

Q3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a little heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of hot sauce when serving. You can also sauté some sliced jalapeños along with the garlic for an extra kick!

Q4. Can I add vegetables to the Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta?
Absolutely! Adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance both flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in with the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, and you’ll have a colorful, hearty dish!

Q5. How do I know when my shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque. They usually take about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Trust your instincts and keep an eye on them for the best results!

For more recipes follow me in page Pinterest.

Print