🍤🧀 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Penne 🍝✨

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Penne is a rich, restaurant-style pasta dish featuring tender shrimp, perfectly cooked penne, and a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 20 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

Pasta & Shrimp

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the penne until al dente according to the package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.

2. Cook the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
4. Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium.
2. Melt the butter in the same skillet.
3. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
5. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
6. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Cook until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Combine

1. Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat.
2. If needed, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
3. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss for 1 minute to warm through.

5. Serve

Garnish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• A squeeze of lemon, if desired

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Delicious Variations

🥬 Spinach & Shrimp

Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach during the last minute of cooking.

🍄 Mushroom Parmesan

Sauté 8 oz (225 g) sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic.

🌶 Spicy Cajun Version

Replace the paprika and Italian seasoning with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.

🥦 Veggie Boost

Add steamed broccoli, asparagus, or peas for extra color and nutrition.

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 690
• Protein: 38 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fat: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate after thawing.

Tips for the Best Creamy Shrimp Penne

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• Cook the shrimp only until pink to keep them tender.
• Reserve some pasta water—it helps create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
• Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy. 🍤🧄🧀🍝