Tuscan Shrimp Pasta: How to Make this Comforting Pasta

When you need a comforting bowl of carbs in your face fast, look no further that my Tuscan shrimp pasta. It’s creamy, delicious, and the perfect antidote to a long day. Not only will this be on the table in less than 30 minutes, but it’s a decadent pasta dish that will surely delight and become a family favorite.

Like many things I make, I like to drink wine while I cook this and really put myself in a Tuscan state of mind. So crack open a bottle of Chianti and start listening to your favorite Rat Pack tunes and you’ll be stuffing your face with a steaming, cheesy bowl of carbs before you know it.

Serves 6

Wine Pairing:

Chianti Classico obviously!

Ingredients:

16 ounces fusilli or penne pasta

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups of baby spinach

1/2 cup of softened cream cheese

1/2 cup of cream

1 28 ounce can of fire roasted tomatoes

8 ounces of grape tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup of basil, chiffonade

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 cloves of roasted garlic, minced

1 red chili, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

Parsley for the pretty

Instructions:

1. Sauté shrimp in butter, 1 clove of garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper for 2 minutes each side until just cooked through. Set aside.
2. Begin the sauce by heating up the olive oil over medium high heat and adding the remaining garlic and chilis. Cook for about 1 minute and add the halved grape tomatoes and half of the basil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
3. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Stir in the cream cheese.
4. Add in the canned tomatoes and reduce the heat to low. Stir in the remaining basil, oregano, spinach, cream, and plenty of salt and pepper. Cover and allow to simmer.
5. Meanwhile, bring the pasta water to a boil and cook according to package instructions.
6. Once the pasta is finished, combine with the cooked shrimp and the pasta sauce. Stir to combine and add in the parmesan cheese.
7. Divide between bowls and top with parsley.

If you like my Tuscan Shrimp Pasta, be sure to check out my extra shrimp scampi!