Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when crafting this delectable creamy mozzarella shrimp pasta that promises pure comfort.

Cheese lovers understand the magic of melted mozzarella coating succulent seafood.

Tender shrimp dance through silky sauce, creating an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired melody.

Weeknight dinners deserve something spectacular beyond predictable recipes.

Simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Each forkful delivers rich, decadent flavors that transport you straight to an Italian coastal restaurant.

Dive in and savor every single creamy, delightful bite.

Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta That’s Decadent and Fast

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delectable shrimp pasta in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap protein types, or add vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Rich mozzarella and Parmesan create an irresistibly creamy sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, comforting dish everyone will adore.
• One-Skillet Magic: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single pan, reducing dishes and saving precious time after a long day.

Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta (Creamy) Ingredients

• Pasta: Holds the dish together and provides a hearty foundation for the creamy sauce and shrimp.

• Shrimp: Tender seafood protein that adds delicate flavor and texture; fresh or frozen work well.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth base for cooking and adds rich flavor.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and classic savory undertone; fresh minced garlic recommended.
• Heavy Cream: Gives luxurious, silky texture to the sauce; full-fat version creates best consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps create balanced sauce; low-sodium preferred.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Melts smoothly and creates creamy, rich sauce; freshly grated recommended.

• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal complexity to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile; use to personal taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb accent; chopped just before serving.

Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta Creamy Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm and ready for the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully add shrimp and cook until they turn a beautiful pink color and become opaque.

Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and keep them warm.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Aromas

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for a brief moment until its fragrant essence fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce Base

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir the liquids together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, developing a rich and creamy consistency.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.

Step 6: Melt Cheese into Silky Sauce

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth and velvety sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Shrimp

Add the cooked pasta and reserved shrimp to the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pasta Tips For Mozzarella Shrimp Dishes

• Choose fresh or thawed large shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are deveined and peeled to save cooking time.
• Reduce heat when adding cheese and stir continuously to prevent burning, creating a smooth and silky sauce without clumping.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, adding a pinch for mild warmth or more for a spicier kick that enhances the dish's complexity.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining, which can help create a more cohesive sauce and improve overall dish consistency if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to prevent overcooking, maintaining a tender and juicy texture that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Store Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta Easily

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sauce from breaking. Stir continuously until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery shrimp and separated sauce.
• Not recommended due to cream-based sauce, which may separate and lose creamy texture when thawed. Fresh is always best for this delicate pasta dish.

Shrimp Pasta Dish Complements

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pour a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy seafood sauce, cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Zesty Side Salad Boost: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding a peppery kick and acidic contrast that balances the pasta's creamy texture and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a crunchy texture and additional garlicky flavor that elevates the entire meal's enjoyment.
• Citrus Sorbet Finish: End the meal with a tangy lemon or grapefruit sorbet, cleansing the palate and offering a refreshing conclusion to the rich, creamy pasta dish.

Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta Delicious Options

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream and cheeses with coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute shrimp with roasted cauliflower or white beans for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• What if I don't have mozzarella cheese?

You can substitute with other melting cheeses like provolone or monterey jack for similar creamy results.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can easily control the heat level or omit them completely for a mild version.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, choose whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutrition.

Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean “Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta” delivers ocean-fresh flavors dancing through silky noodles. Rich cheese and tender shrimp create a luxurious dinner experience you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Pasta and Main Components:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
2. Sear shrimp in a hot skillet with olive oil, cooking until they turn vibrant pink and achieve a delicate golden edge, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden, releasing its intense flavor profile.
4. Create the sauce foundation by combining heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking together to form a smooth liquid. Allow mixture to gently simmer and reduce, thickening for 3-5 minutes.
5. Enhance sauce with Italian seasoning, incorporating red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Season with salt and pepper to balance flavors.
6. Lower heat and gradually melt mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, stirring continuously until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
7. Reunite pasta and shrimp with the creamy cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating of each ingredient.
8. Plate the dish, crowning with freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant, aromatic garnish.

Notes

• Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are deveined and peeled before cooking.
• Remove shrimp from heat immediately after turning pink to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Control the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes, adding more for heat lovers or omitting for a milder dish.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg