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Shrimp Mozzarella Pasta

Joan
Adapted from Julias Album. Serves 4
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 8 oz Pasta of Choice

Shrimp

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Sauce

  • 4 oz sundried tomatoes (dry or packed in water)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 cup shredded, mozzarella cheese
  • 1 Tbsp dried basil (if using fresh, add 3 Tbsp)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/8 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

Pasta

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve some cooked pasta water. Drain the pasta

Shrimp

  • Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil (or use cooking spray) in a large skillet on medium high heat
  • Add the shrimp with the minced garlic. Cook the shrimp on one side for about 1 minute, until the shrimp turn pink on that side. While it cooks, sprinkle salt on shrimp.
  • Do not crowd the shrimp in the skillet - otherwise there will be too much moisture and the shrimp will not sear.
  • After 1 minute, flip the shrimp over to the other side and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute. The shrimp should be golden or pink on both sides and not overcooked.
  • Remove the shrimp to a plate, being careful to leave all the oil in the skillet

Sauce

  • To the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes and more minced garlic
  • Saute the tomatoes in the remaining oil on medium heat, stirring for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. The skillet should be hot.
  • Add half and half to the hot skillet with the sundried tomatoes and bring to a boil.
  • Add the shredded cheese to the skillet and quickly stir in while boiling. Immediately reduce to simmer
  • Continue cooking the sauce on low simmer, constantly stirring, until all the cheese melts and the creamy sauce forms
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water.
  • Add basil, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika. Stir
  • Add 1/4 tsp of salt gradually, stirring on low heat and testing - you may need less salt.

Assembly

  • Add cooked pasta to sauce and reheat gently on medium.
  • Add the cooked shrimp, stir
  • Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed
  • If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water.
  • Let simmer for a few minutes to heat through and for flavors to combine.