Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is a flavorful, indulgent dish that combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp with a rich, velvety sauce made from mozzarella cheese. The pasta is perfectly coated in the creamy sauce, and the shrimp adds a savory, succulent contrast, making each bite utterly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

In this recipe, the creamy mozzarella sauce is the star, and the combination of perfectly cooked shrimp, tender pasta, and the luscious sauce will leave everyone asking for seconds. The addition of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs brings the dish together, elevating it to a whole new level of comfort food. Let’s dive into this easy, yet luxurious, recipe!

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

1. Creamy and Savory: The mozzarella sauce is rich, smooth, and full of flavor, enveloping the shrimp and pasta in a comforting, creamy coating.
2. Perfectly Balanced: The dish balances the savory shrimp with the richness of mozzarella, accented with the sharpness of Parmesan and the depth of garlic.
3. Quick and Easy: While it tastes like something from a five-star restaurant, this recipe is relatively simple and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
4. Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make it even more delicious. You can substitute the shrimp for chicken or even toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or as a comforting weeknight meal, this dish fits the bill.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta
   • In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
2. Drain the Pasta
   • Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use (this will help loosen the sauce if needed). Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Heat the Skillet
   • In a medium-sized skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Shrimp
   • Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

1. Melt Butter
   • In the same skillet that you used for the shrimp, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add Garlic
   • Once the butter has melted, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Add Heavy Cream and Milk
   • Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Cheese
   • Once the cream mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and add the 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Season the Sauce
   • Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Thicken the Sauce
   • Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with some of the reserved pasta water, adding a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp, Pasta, and Sauce

1. Add the Pasta to the Sauce
   • Add the drained pasta to the creamy mozzarella sauce. Toss the pasta gently with tongs or a spatula to coat it evenly in the sauce.
2. Add the Shrimp
   • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly distributed and everything is coated in the creamy mozzarella sauce.
3. Adjust Seasoning
   • Taste the pasta and sauce. If needed, add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat.

Step 5: Serve the Shrimp Pasta

1. Plate the Dish
   • Divide the shrimp pasta into serving bowls or plates. If desired, top with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
2. Garnish with Fresh Basil
   • For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.
3. Serve Immediately
   • This dish is best enjoyed fresh, right after it’s made. The creamy mozzarella sauce may thicken slightly as it cools, so be sure to serve it while it’s still warm and creamy.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

1. Use Fresh Shrimp
   • Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture, but if you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
   • Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to watch them closely. Overcooking can result in tough, rubbery shrimp, so remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
3. Customize the Pasta
   • While linguine, fettuccine, and spaghetti work well, feel free to use your favorite type of pasta. Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle would all be great alternatives.
4. Use Fresh Mozzarella
   • For the best texture and flavor, use fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully into the sauce, giving it a silky, smooth consistency.
5. Make it Spicy
   • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
6. Add Vegetables
   • For added texture and nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the dish. Simply toss them in with the pasta and shrimp for extra flavor and color.
7. Make it Lighter
   • For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. The mozzarella sauce will still be creamy but with fewer calories.
8. Serve with a Side
   • This shrimp pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, while the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Variations of Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
   • Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy kick. The acidity from the lemon complements the richness of the creamy mozzarella sauce.
2. Cajun Shrimp Pasta
   • Spice things up with a Cajun twist! Coat the shrimp in Cajun seasoning before cooking, and toss in a pinch of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for an added smoky, spicy flavor.
3. Shrimp and Mushroom Pasta
   • Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the garlic to make this dish even heartier. The mushrooms add a savory umami flavor that pairs well with the shrimp and creamy sauce.
4. Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
   • Add diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of sweetness. Tomatoes balance the richness of the mozzarella sauce and provide a fresh contrast to the shrimp.

Conclusion

Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. With its rich and creamy mozzarella sauce, succulent shrimp, and tender pasta, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this flavorful, comforting meal is bound to impress. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

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Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce is a flavorful, indulgent dish that combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp with a rich, velvety sauce made from mozzarella cheese. The pasta is perfectly coated in the creamy sauce, and the shrimp adds a savory, succulent contrast, making each bite utterly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
• 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• For the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
   Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
   
2. Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
   While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
   Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Step 3: Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
   Add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
   Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
   
4. Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Shrimp
   Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet with the creamy mozzarella sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
   Cook for another 1-2 minutes, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
   
5. Step 5: Serve
   Divide the shrimp pasta among serving plates.
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• For Extra Flavor: You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of tang or spice.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta for more texture and flavor.
• Make it Creamier: Use half-and-half instead of milk for an even richer sauce.