1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by boiling 12 ounces of penne pasta according to package directions until it’s almost al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking in the sauce later. Meanwhile, season 1 pound of extra-large shrimp with ½ tablespoon smoked paprika, ¾ tablespoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¾ teaspoon black pepper for that flavorful base.

2-Second Step: Cook the Shrimp Heat 1 ½ tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink, opaque, and form a C-shape, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove the shrimp and set them aside to rest, preventing them from overcooking.

3-Third Step: Build the Sauce In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and onions (use about ½ cup if available for extra flavor), along with ½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes, 2 ½ tablespoon tomato paste, additional Italian seasoning and smoked paprika from the shrimp mix, ⅓ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¾ teaspoon dried basil. Cook this for about 2 minutes until it smells amazing, stirring to avoid sticking.

4-Fourth Step: Thicken and Add Greens Stir in 2 tablespoon gluten-free flour to create a roux, then pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 2 cups diced spinach. Let this simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts, adjusting heat as needed to keep it from boiling over.

5-Fifth Step: Finish and Combine Mix in 1 cup grated parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, then add the shrimp back in for even coating. For dietary tweaks, use seafood stock instead of vegetable broth if adapting for different preferences.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately. This Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is best hot, and you can add red pepper flakes for extra spice. Remember, the total prep time is 5 minutes and cook time is 30 minutes, making it a quick Shrimp Pasta option for any night.