Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
3 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
Sear Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add Spinach and Cream: Add fresh spinach to the skillet, cooking until wilted. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
Combine with Pasta and Shrimp: Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss to coat, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 480 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof meal. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped: mince garlic, chop sun-dried tomatoes and parsley, and pat shrimp dry. When cooking the pasta, heavily salt the boiling water—it should taste like the sea. For the shrimp, ensure your skillet is very hot before adding them to get a proper sear; avoid crowding the pan. When sautéing the garlic, keep the heat medium to prevent burning. To build the sauce, add the pasta water gradually, letting it emulsify with the oil and cream to create a silky texture that clings to the noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is a complete meal but pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a wine pairing, choose a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Serve immediately in warm bowls with crusty bread on the side to soak up any extra sauce. For a garnish, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish comes together in three key stages: 1) Cook the pasta, reserving starchy water. 2) Sear seasoned shrimp and set aside. 3) In the same pan, build a sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, cream, and pasta water. Finally, combine everything, toss well, and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and pat dry thoroughly to ensure proper searing.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a lighter version, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. For a dairy-free option, blend soaked raw cashews with water.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely. Sliced mushrooms, asparagus, or artichoke hearts would be excellent additions. Sauté them after the garlic.
Is the pasta water really necessary? Yes. The starchy water is crucial for creating a cohesive, restaurant-quality sauce that properly coats the pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery. They cook quickly and continue to cook slightly off the heat.
- Adding cold cream directly to a very hot pan, which can cause it to curdle. Let the pan cool slightly or temper it with a bit of pasta water first.
- Skipping the step of reserving pasta water. This is the secret to a perfectly silky, emulsified sauce.
- Using the oil from sun-dried tomatoes for sautéing if it contains strong herbs or spices, which can overpower the delicate garlic and shrimp flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create an extraordinary weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet shrimp, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a garlicky sauce is both comforting and elegant. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently achieve a restaurant-worthy result in under 30 minutes. It’s a versatile recipe that invites customization while remaining reliably delicious.