Shrimp Pasta with Mozzarella Sauce

This Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is a rich, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner made completely from scratch. Juicy seared shrimp are tossed with penne pasta in a silky mozzarella cream sauce, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a hint of red pepper heat. It’s an easy yet restaurant-style meal perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 8 oz penne pasta (or gluten-free pasta if preferred)

For the Shrimp

• 2 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

• 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (not fresh)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 1 tbsp dried basil (or fresh basil)
• 1/8 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and garlic, seasoning with salt. Cook for about 1 minute on one side until pink, then flip and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fully cooked. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in half and half and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, then stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Lower the heat and simmer gently.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Add basil, red pepper flakes, paprika, and salt. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well. Return shrimp to the pan and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Let the pasta simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors combine. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Do not overcook shrimp — they cook very quickly.
• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• Fresh garlic and basil greatly enhance the flavor.
• Pre-shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than fresh mozzarella for this recipe.

Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce!