CREAMY SHRIMP FLORENTINE PASTA

This Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta recipe is quick and easy to make, full of great flavor, and oh-so-creamy and comforting and delicious.

TOTAL TIME: 40 MINS PREP TIME: 15 MINSCOOK TIME: 25 MINS

INGREDIENTS:

CREAMY SHRIMP FLORENTINE PASTA INGREDIENTS:

12 ounces uncooked pasta (I used penne)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

1 pound raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined

1 batch Creamy Parmesan Sauce (see below)

2 large handfuls of fresh baby spinach

1 (8.5-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped

1/4 cup loosely-packed chopped fresh basil leaves

lots of freshly-grated Parmesan

CREAMY PARMESAN SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely-minced

3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup warmed milk

3/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

optional: 1/2 cup half-and-half

DIRECTIONS:

COOK PASTA AL DENTE ACCORDING TO PACKAGE DIRECTIONS, IN A LARGE STOCK POT OF 

GENEROUSLY-SALTEDWATER.  DRAIN, AND SET ASIDE.

TO MAKE THE CREAMY SHRIMP FLORENTINE PASTA:

Meanwhile, heat oil in a separate large sauté pan over medium-high heat.  Season the shrimp with salt and pepper on both sides.  Then add the shrimp to the pan and sauté for 3-5 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.  (Cooking time will vary on the size of your shrimp.)  Transfer shrimp with a slotted spoon to a clean plate, and set aside.

Use the same sauté pan to prepare your Creamy Parmesan Sauce.

Once the pasta and creamy sauce are finished cooking and ready to go, combine them in the large stock pot.  Add in the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and basil, and toss together until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

TO MAKE THE CREAMY PARMESAN SAUCE:

Heat olive oil (or melt butter) in the large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté one minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Sprinkle evenly with the flour, and stir to combine. Sauté for an additional minute so that the flour can cook, stirring occasionally.

Then slowly add chicken broth, whisking to combine until smooth. Whisk in milk, and bring to a simmer for 1 minute, or until the sauce has thickened a bit.  Add in the Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and stir until the cheese has melted. If you’d like a creamier sauce (which is delicious), stir in the half and half as well.

Remove from heat and use/serve immediately.