Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

 

Creamy Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni

Shrimp and pasta dishes are classic comfort foods, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This recipe for Creamy Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni brings together tender shrimp, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 11 ounces rigatoni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3.5 ounces chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon double concentrated tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chili flakes, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparation: Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if they aren't already prepared. In a medium bowl, combine the peeled shrimp with garlic powder, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Meanwhile, mince the garlic cloves, grate the Parmesan cheese, chop the sun-dried tomatoes if they aren't already chopped, and chop the fresh basil leaves. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce.

2. Cooking the Shrimp: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Sear the shrimp for about 1 minute on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a clean plate or bowl and set aside.

3. Making the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture in the skillet, stirring constantly to coat the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. This helps to thicken the sauce later on. Cook for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.

4. Deglazing and Simmering: Now, it's time to add the low sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Pour it in gradually, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the mixture and scrape up any browned bits (also known as fond) from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are full of flavor and will enhance the taste of your sauce.

Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat slightly and let it cook for about 2 minutes. This simmering process helps to thicken the sauce and intensify its flavor.

5. Adding Cream and Tomato Paste: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine it with the broth and other ingredients in the skillet. The cream will add richness and creaminess to the sauce, creating a luxurious texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

Stir in the double concentrated tomato paste, which adds a concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce without making it too liquidy. This ingredient also provides a rich red color to the sauce, making your dish visually appealing.

6. Finishing Touches: Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the sauce coats the pasta evenly.

Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped basil leaves to the sauce, stirring well to incorporate them. The lemon juice brightens the flavors of the dish, while the basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes.

7. Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained rigatoni pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Using tongs or a pasta fork, gently toss the pasta in the sauce until it is well coated. The rigatoni's ridges will help hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

8. Adding Parmesan and Serving: Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir gently until the cheese melts and blends into the sauce, creating an even richer and creamier texture.

9. Serving: Divide the creamy shrimp and sun-dried tomato rigatoni among serving plates or bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chili flakes, if desired, to add a hint of heat and extra flavor. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is creamy.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to sear them just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time: Having everything chopped, grated, and measured before you start cooking makes the process smoother and less stressful.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
• Fresh ingredients: Using fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavors of the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.

Conclusion:

Creamy Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Rigatoni is a delightful pasta dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the tangy bite of sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a luxurious creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion meal, offering comforting flavors and a satisfying texture. Enjoy this dish with a side salad and a glass of your favorite wine for a complete dining experience that will leave everyone wanting seconds!