Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta is a restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender, juicy shrimp are coated in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce infused with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of oregano. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this comforting dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Sauce – A silky garlic Parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta.
Ready in Just 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
Restaurant-Quality Meal – Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknights.
Perfect Balance of Flavors – Sweet shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil create incredible depth.
One Skillet Sauce – Easy preparation with minimal cleanup.
Easy to Customize – Add vegetables or swap proteins to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta

8 ounces uncooked pasta – Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work beautifully.

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tablespoons butter – Creates a rich foundation for the sauce.
½ tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps slightly thicken the sauce.
3–4 garlic cloves, minced – Adds bold aromatic flavor.
1 tablespoon tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and richness.
⅓ cup dry white wine or chicken broth – Deglazes the pan and adds depth.
1 cup heavy cream – Produces a silky, luxurious Alfredo-style sauce.
⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes – Adds sweet, tangy bursts of flavor.
½ teaspoon dried oregano – Brings classic Italian herb flavor.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Adds gentle heat.

For the Seafood

1 pound raw shrimp (31–40 count), peeled and deveined – Cooks quickly and stays tender.

To Finish

⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
1 small handful fresh basil, chopped or torn – Adds freshness and bright flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Balances all the ingredients.
Extra Parmesan cheese – For serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Start the Sauce

About 10 minutes before the pasta finishes cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and white wine (or chicken broth).

Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly reduced.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp directly to the sauce.

Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp become pink, opaque, and fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then fold in the fresh basil.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Toss Everything Together

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until every strand or piece is coated in the creamy sauce.

If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Use Heavy Cream – It creates the smoothest sauce and prevents curdling.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Cook only until pink to keep them juicy.
Fresh Parmesan Melts Best – Freshly grated cheese creates a silky sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water – It helps adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes – They offer the richest flavor and texture.
Finish with Fresh Basil – Add basil after removing the skillet from the heat to preserve its fresh aroma.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 550 calories per serving

Perfect Pairings

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Caesar Salad – Crisp lettuce balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Asparagus – A simple vegetable side that complements the shrimp.
Chilled White Wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pair beautifully with creamy seafood.

Ideal Occasions

Date Night – Elegant enough for a romantic dinner at home.
Weeknight Family Meals – Quick and satisfying for busy evenings.
Dinner Parties – Impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Special Celebrations – A luxurious seafood pasta perfect for holidays or birthdays.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat Gently – Warm over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to maintain a smooth sauce.
Avoid High Heat – Prevents the cream sauce from separating.
Best Served Fresh – The shrimp and sauce have the best texture immediately after cooking.

Creative Variations to Try

Spinach Shrimp Pasta – Stir in fresh baby spinach during the final minutes of cooking.
Chicken Version – Replace the shrimp with grilled chicken breast.
Extra Seafood Pasta – Add scallops or lump crab meat for an even richer dish.
Mushroom Alfredo Twist – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra earthy flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sauce Is Too Thick – Stir in reserved pasta water or a splash of cream until smooth.
Sauce Is Too Thin – Simmer for another minute before adding the shrimp.
Shrimp Become Rubbery – Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
Cheese Clumps – Remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the Parmesan.

Why This Recipe Works

This pasta combines rich, creamy Alfredo-style flavors with the bright acidity of sun-dried tomatoes for a perfectly balanced sauce. Garlic and tomato paste build a savory foundation, while white wine or chicken broth adds depth without overpowering the delicate shrimp. Heavy cream creates a luxurious texture, and freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for a naturally silky finish. Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated bursts of sweet-tart flavor, while fresh basil adds a fragrant finish that brightens every bite. Cooking the shrimp directly in the sauce keeps them juicy and flavorful, while tossing everything with perfectly al dente pasta ensures every bite is coated in creamy goodness. At approximately 550 calories, 32 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this dish offers an indulgent yet balanced seafood dinner.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta is the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. Rich garlic Parmesan sauce, juicy shrimp, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil transform simple ingredients into a meal worthy of your favorite Italian restaurant. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests on a special occasion, this easy 30-minute recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for part of the heavy cream, reduce the Parmesan slightly, or add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli while still enjoying the creamy, flavorful sauce that makes this pasta so irresistible.