A Taste of Sunshine on Your Plate

Do you ever crave a meal that is vibrant and satisfying? Do you want a dish that brings joy and ease to a busy weeknight? A delicious homemade dish can offer simple pleasure. This Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne recipe is that dish.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

Quick & Easy: This recipe is perfect for weeknights. It is great when you are short on time.
Bursting with Flavor: It has sweet shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory garlic. It is a delightful combination.
Comforting Yet Elegant: This dish feels special enough for guests. It is simple enough for everyday meals.
Versatile: You can easily change this recipe for your diet or what you have in your pantry.
One-Pot Potential: You can make this dish in one pot for easy cleanup.

Get Cooking: Your Guide to Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pantry Staples: Olive oil, garlic, dried herbs (oregano, basil), red pepper flakes (optional), chicken or vegetable broth, salt, black pepper.
Star Ingredients: Fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined), sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and sliced), penne pasta.
Freshness Boosters: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish, grated Parmesan cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Prepare your shrimp. Drain and slice your sun-dried tomatoes. Mince your garlic.
Cook the Penne: Cook the penne al dente. Follow the package directions.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil. Add garlic. Add red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant.
Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp. Cook until pink and opaque.
Build the Sauce: Add sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook to combine.
Combine and Toss: Add the cooked penne to the sauce. Toss to coat.
Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh herbs and Parmesan.

Notes for Success

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook shrimp until just pink and opaque. This keeps them tender.
Pasta Water is Your Friend: Use a splash of pasta water. This helps adjust sauce consistency.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Good quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh shrimp make a big difference.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Ideas for Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

Simple Green Salad: Serve with a crisp, refreshing green salad.
Garlic Bread or Ciabatta: You can use garlic bread or ciabatta. It is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: Serve with roasted asparagus or broccoli. This is a healthy and complementary vegetable side.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with water or your favorite non-alcoholic drink.

Make It Your Own: Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for chickpeas or white beans.
Add Some Greens: Stir in spinach or arugula at the end.
Creamy Twist: Add a touch of heavy cream or crème fraîche for a richer sauce.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Different Pasta Shapes: Other short pasta shapes like farfalle or fusilli work well.

Savor the Flavor, Share the Joy

This dish is easy to make and delicious. Try it. Share your creations. Enjoy good food and good company.

FAQ: All Your Questions About Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Answered

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne recipe?
A: Yes, absolutely! Thaw the shrimp. Pat them dry before cooking.
Q: How long does Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne last in the refrigerator?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They last for 2-3 days.
Q: What type of sun-dried tomatoes are best for this dish?
A: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are usually best. They are softer and have more flavor.
Q: Can I make this Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne gluten-free?
A: Yes, use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta.
Q: Is it possible to prepare any parts of the Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne ahead of time?
A: You can chop garlic and sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time. You can also cook the penne al dente and rinse it. The best flavor comes when you cook the shrimp and sauce fresh.

Zesty Garlic Shrimp & Sun-Dried Tomato Penne

Enjoy a vibrant pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a zesty garlic herb sauce, all tossed with al dente penne.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings 4 people

Calories 530 kcal

Equipment

Large Pot
Large Skillet

Ingredients

Pantry Staples

2 tbsp Olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Star Ingredients

1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp peeled and deveined
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and sliced
12 oz penne pasta

Freshness Boosters

1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped for garnish
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prep

Thaw and pat dry shrimp if frozen, then drain and slice the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic.

Cook Penne

Boil salted water in a large pot, add penne, and cook until al dente according to package directions; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook.

Build Sauce

Stir in sliced sun-dried tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.

Combine

Add cooked penne to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat; if the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency.

Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat, stir in half of the parsley, and serve immediately garnished with remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For extra flavor, use a good quality chicken broth and don't skimp on the fresh parsley!

Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne: How 6 Serve Yours