Description
Indulgent marry me shrimp pasta promises romance on a plate, packed with creamy garlic sauce and succulent shrimp. Romantic dinner goals meet delicious comfort, delivering a meal guaranteed to win hearts with its irresistible flavor and luxurious texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) extra large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese
Dry Seasonings and Flour:
- 1 tablespoon (6 grams) Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tablespoon (3 grams) smoked paprika
- 1/3 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) gluten-free 1:1 flour
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) gluten-free penne
- 2 cups (470 milliliters) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes (diced)
- 2 cups (60 grams) diced spinach
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sun-dried tomato oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
- 2 tablespoons (20 grams) minced onion
- 2 tablespoons (12 grams) minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare penne pasta according to package directions until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly coating shrimp with smoked paprika, Italian herbs, ground pepper, and salt.
- Utilize sun-dried tomato infused oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear shrimp precisely 2 minutes per side until they transform into vibrant pink, translucent curves. Extract shrimp and set aside.
- Develop a flavor foundation in the identical skillet by melting butter. Introduce minced garlic, diced onion, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, aromatic seasonings, and dried herbs. Quickly sauté until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Transform the base into a luxurious sauce by incorporating gluten-free flour. Gradually stream vegetable broth and rich cream, then fold in delicate spinach leaves. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring consistently until sauce reaches desired thickness and greens wilt.
- Enhance sauce complexity by melting parmesan cheese until silky and uniform.
- Integrate pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Reintroduce perfectly cooked shrimp, stirring to harmonize flavors.
- Elevate presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Perfectly time shrimp cooking to prevent rubbery texture by watching for pink color and C-shape curve.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
- Toast flour briefly before adding liquid to eliminate raw flour taste and enhance sauce’s depth of flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives as alternative garnish for brighter, fresher finish if basil isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 516 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 695 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg