Indulge in a culinary delight that transports you straight to the sun-kissed coasts of Italy with our Shrimp Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes! This vibrant dish combines succulent shrimp, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and al dente pasta in a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a romantic date night. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that looks and tastes gourmet, all while being incredibly easy to make!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and become opaque, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish and give a final toss to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always remember to salt your boiling water generously; this is your only chance to season the pasta itself! Cook it until al dente for the best texture.
- Shrimp Secrets: For the juiciest shrimp, ensure they are patted dry before seasoning. This helps them sear nicely in the skillet.
- Garlic Care: Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing. It can go from fragrant to burnt in seconds, so stir it frequently and remove it from heat as soon as it’s golden.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Flavor: If you want a burst of flavor, consider using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. They add an extra richness to your dish.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your pasta seems dry after combining, don’t hesitate to add a little of the reserved pasta water. It’s a great way to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Fresh Basil Boost: For a fresher flavor, add some of the chopped basil at the end of cooking and reserve some for garnishing. This enhances the aroma and taste of your dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your pasta in warm plates to keep it hot longer, and consider pairing it with a crisp white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 220mg
