This Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sundried Tomatoes is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. The jumbo shrimp are cooked in a rich and creamy garlic sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete dish that’s packed with flavor.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
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1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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¼ teaspoon salt and cracked black pepper
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4 oz (120g) sun-dried tomatoes, drained from oil (keep 2 tablespoons oil reserved)
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1 cup (240ml) half-and-half (or whipping cream)
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½ cup (60ml) vegetable or chicken broth
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1 cup shredded mozzarella (or parmesan)
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1 tablespoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds (optional)
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¼ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
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⅛ teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon grated parmesan, for garnish
Directions
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Cook the Pasta:
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve some pasta water for later. -
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 2 tablespoons of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook on each side for 1-2 minutes until pink. Season with salt while cooking. Remove the shrimp and set aside. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Add the broth and half-and-half, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and cook on low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water or more half-and-half. -
Season the Sauce:
Add the basil, fennel seeds (if using), red chili pepper flakes, paprika, and onion powder. Stir well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. -
Combine the Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together. -
Serve:
Garnish with grated parmesan and serve immediately over your choice of rice, pasta, bulgur, or cauliflower rice.
Nutrients (approximate per serving)
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Calories: 400-450 kcal
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 10g
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Fat: 30g
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Saturated Fat: 10g
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Cholesterol: 180mg
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Sodium: 800mg
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Potassium: 450mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
Why This Dish Works
Shrimp is a versatile and quick-cooking protein, making it perfect for busy evenings when time is of the essence. The richness of the cream sauce combined with the intensity of sun-dried tomatoes elevates the dish, adding depth of flavor. The mozzarella cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, giving it a luxurious, velvety texture. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a slight earthiness that complements the richness of the dish. The blend of seasonings, including basil, fennel seeds, and chili flakes, adds complexity, while the shrimp’s natural sweetness balances out the savory elements.
The beauty of this dish lies in how easily it comes together—searing the shrimp, preparing the sauce, and bringing everything together in one pan. Plus, it’s a customizable dish, perfect for serving over your favorite carb—be it pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Cooking the Shrimp
Cooking shrimp is quick and straightforward, making it an ideal option for a speedy meal. Start by searing the shrimp in the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. This oil carries flavor, helping to infuse the shrimp with extra depth while cooking. Shrimp only need 1-2 minutes per side to cook through and turn pink, ensuring they remain tender and juicy. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp to preserve their delicate texture. Once cooked, set them aside so you can focus on preparing the sauce, which will bring all the components together.
Making the Creamy Sauce
The creamy garlic sauce is what makes this dish truly indulgent. The base is created by combining garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a mix of half-and-half and vegetable or chicken broth. As the mixture simmers, the shredded mozzarella cheese is stirred in, creating a rich, gooey texture. The sauce thickens as it simmers, and you can adjust its consistency by adding reserved pasta water or more cream if necessary.
The seasonings—dried basil, fennel seeds, chili pepper flakes, paprika, and onion powder—add complexity to the sauce, enhancing the richness of the cream while balancing out the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes. The fennel seeds are optional but provide an aromatic touch, giving the dish a slight hint of licorice flavor that pairs well with the shrimp. If you enjoy a bit of heat, the chili flakes will add just the right amount of spice.
Combining the Shrimp and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, it’s time to add the shrimp back into the pan. Tossing the shrimp in the creamy sauce ensures that they are coated in all the rich flavors, infusing each bite with the depth of the sun-dried tomatoes and the creaminess of the sauce. Let everything simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the shrimp to absorb some of the sauce and to make sure everything is well heated.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sundried Tomatoes
This dish can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preference. Traditional pasta is a great choice, as the sauce clings beautifully to the noodles. Alternatively, serve it over rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice) for a low-carb option. Bulgur or couscous can also make great side dishes if you’re looking for something different. For a fresh contrast, serve this creamy dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables, adding a light, crunchy component to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sundried Tomatoes
This dish provides a balanced combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The shrimp deliver around 30 grams of protein per serving, making it a great choice for muscle repair and overall health. The creamy sauce, while rich in fat, also contains heart-healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese. The sun-dried tomatoes contribute a small amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C and iron. The spinach also adds beneficial nutrients, such as vitamin A and folate. The dish is relatively low in carbs, making it a good choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sundried Tomatoes is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, indulgent flavors. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and aromatic seasonings creates a dish that is both comforting and elegant. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but flavorful, or for special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Whether served over pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Sundried Tomatoes is a simple yet indulgent dish that delivers on flavor and texture. The combination of juicy shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh spinach in a creamy garlic sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to satisfy. With its easy preparation and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a complete, satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.