Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich flavors yet comes together in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne is your new go-to meal. Tender shrimp sautéed in fragrant garlic, enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, and perfectly tossed with al dente penne pasta—this recipe hits all the right notes for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, the simplicity and elegance of this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta and shrimp, making every bite luscious and comforting. Plus, it’s a versatile base for customization—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, swap in your favorite herbs, or mix in some fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your meal prep repertoire.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 8 ounces penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and garlic-infused shrimp.
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or frozen, shrimp cooks quickly and adds a delicate seafood flavor.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp and garlic to golden perfection.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that infuses the entire dish with warmth and aroma.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that envelops the pasta and shrimp.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth to the sauce and helps it thicken beautifully.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot: To boil the penne pasta until al dente.
• Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking the shrimp and making the creamy garlic sauce.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sauce and tossing the pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure ingredient accuracy for perfect flavor balance.

Cooking Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne: The Process

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Develop the Garlic Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. This step creates the aromatic foundation for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta and gently mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

• Dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-free: Replace penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety, such as rice or chickpea pasta.
• Garlic sensitivity: Use garlic-infused olive oil instead of fresh garlic for a milder taste that’s easier on sensitive stomachs.
• Shellfish allergy: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken breast or sautéed mushrooms to retain protein and texture.

Behind the Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne recipe was inspired by the classic Italian flavors that celebrate simplicity and richness in every bite. Garlic and Parmesan are timeless companions to seafood, especially shrimp, which cooks quickly and absorbs flavors effortlessly. The creamy sauce elevates the dish from everyday pasta to a comforting meal with a touch of elegance. I love how it’s customizable—you can easily transform it into a Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne by adding lemon zest and juice, or switch things up with a Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp Gnocchi for a different take on creamy seafood pasta. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Penne Chicken Sausage offers a flavorful, spicy alternative.

Storage Pro Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently over low heat to prevent curdling.
• This dish freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
• For best texture, reheat shrimp separately and add it to the sauce and pasta once warmed.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne Q&A

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sauté evenly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.

What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from breaking?

Cook the sauce gently over medium heat and avoid boiling it. Adding cheese gradually and stirring constantly helps keep the sauce smooth. Also, don’t overheat the cream after adding the cheese.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein. You can follow the same steps for the creamy sauce and pasta.

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While pre-grated Parmesan works in a pinch, freshly grated cheese melts better and offers superior flavor and texture for the sauce.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne – A bright and zesty twist on creamy shrimp pasta perfect for busy evenings.
• Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp Gnocchi – Comforting gnocchi bathed in a rich sun-dried tomato and shrimp sauce.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Penne Chicken Sausage – Bold and spicy, this dish brings a Cajun kick to your pasta night.

Final Bite

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. The tender shrimp, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make for a dish that feels both luxurious and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, it delivers comfort and elegance in every forkful. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy one of the easiest and most delicious pasta meals you’ll ever make.

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