Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning, and bring to a simmer. Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
This dish is quick, comforting, and perfect for any pasta lover.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, prep all ingredients before starting: mince garlic, grate cheeses, and pat shrimp dry. Begin by boiling pasta in heavily salted water for the timeline on the box minus one minute; it will finish cooking in the sauce. For the shrimp, ensure your skillet is hot before adding oil. Cook shrimp in a single layer without crowding to get a good sear. Remove them the moment they turn opaque. For the sauce, after sautéing garlic, reduce heat to medium-low before adding cream to prevent scorching. Add cheeses gradually, stirring constantly until fully melted before adding more. Finally, combine the al dente pasta and shrimp with the sauce off the direct heat to gently warm the shrimp through.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Serve with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli work well. To elevate the meal for guests, garnish with extra parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a lemon wedge on the side for a bright, fresh squeeze.
How-to Summary
In summary: cook penne until al dente. Sauté seasoned shrimp until pink and set aside. In the same pan, make a sauce by cooking garlic in butter, simmering with cream and seasoning, then melting in cheeses. Combine pasta and shrimp with the sauce, garnish, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and pat very dry to avoid watering down the sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, though the sauce will be less thick. Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken if needed.
What if my sauce breaks or looks grainy? This can happen if the heat is too high. Remove from heat, add a splash of warm cream or pasta water, and whisk vigorously to re-emulsify.
Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Sauté spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms with the garlic. For firmer veggies like broccoli, blanch them first.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore sauciness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery. They cook quickly.
- Adding cheese to a boiling sauce, which can cause it to clump. Always simmer on low heat.
- Using pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents, which prevents smooth melting. Grate your own.
- Not salting the pasta water sufficiently, as this is your main chance to season the pasta itself.
- Draining the pasta completely without saving any starchy water, which is a key tool for adjusting sauce consistency.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that is deceptively simple to master at home. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently delicious, comforting meal. Its versatility with ingredients and sides makes it a perfect recipe for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Enjoy the process and the incredible, garlicky results.