Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy! This mouthwatering Orecchiette Pasta with Shrimp and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked shrimp nestled among ear-shaped pasta, kissed by the intense, sweet-tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a pasta enthusiast seeking your next obsession, this recipe promises restaurant-quality deliciousness in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add orecchiette pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the skillet with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly - about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients cling together.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese right before serving for maximum flavor and that irresistible melty texture.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil when tossing the final dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 608kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
