There’s something magical about curling up at home with a warm bowl of comfort food — especially when it’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp with Spinach Pasta is exactly that kind of dish. It’s cozy, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to whip up on any night of the week.
Combining juicy, tender shrimp with earthy spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed in a velvety cream sauce — this pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle. Whether you're cooking for one or looking to impress someone special, this easy shrimp dinner recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.
🍤 What Makes This Shrimp Pasta So Special?
This dish is everything you want in a pasta recipe: it’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and comforting without being boring. It’s also packed with ingredients that balance one another perfectly — creamy sauce, bright tomatoes, fresh greens, and succulent seafood.
Here’s why it’s a winner:
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✅ Quick to make — ready in just 30 minutes.
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✅ One-pan sauce means less mess.
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✅ Loaded with protein and flavor.
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✅ Perfect for both weeknights and date nights.
With the bold flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, the natural sweetness of shrimp, and the freshness of baby spinach, it’s a pasta dish that delivers every time.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy shrimp pasta recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients:
For the pasta:
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12 oz fettuccine or linguine (or any pasta you like)
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Salted water for boiling
For the creamy sauce:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
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2 cups fresh spinach
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1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional garnishes:
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Extra Parmesan
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Fresh basil or parsley
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Lemon zest
🔥 How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining — you may need it to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, then add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor. Pour in the cream, stirring gently, then add the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Shrimp
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt. Then return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything to coat in the sauce.
Step 5: Toss with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to make it silky and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Plate it up hot with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and maybe even a twist of lemon zest for brightness.
🌿 Ingredient Substitutions and Tips
Want to make it your own? Here are some simple variations:
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Swap the cream: Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
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Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles.
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Add extra veggies: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus go great in this.
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Boost the heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
This is one of those recipes that’s super flexible while still keeping its bold, creamy character.
💪 Health Benefits of Shrimp and Spinach
Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it's got a solid nutrition profile too:
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Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, with nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine.
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Spinach adds fiber, iron, and antioxidants without weighing the dish down.
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Sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated flavor and a dose of lycopene — a powerful antioxidant.
If you’re looking for a satisfying high-protein pasta recipe, this one nails it.
🍷 What to Serve with This Dish
This pasta is filling on its own, but here are a few perfect pairings if you want to round out your meal:
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Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
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A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
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A chilled glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem — this pasta reheats beautifully!
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Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth.
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Freeze: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce, but can be done in a pinch.
❤️ Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the perfect cozy meal that brings flavor, elegance, and comfort to your kitchen, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp with Spinach Pasta is it. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again — simple enough for a Monday night, but luxurious enough for a Friday date night in.
From the creamy sauce to the juicy shrimp and the burst of sun-dried tomato goodness, every bite is pure comfort food heaven. Go ahead — pour a glass of wine, dim the lights, and enjoy a dish that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
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