Shrimp Penne Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, and restaurant-quality without the hassle. Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked penne, garlic, herbs, and a creamy (or tomato-based) sauce make this dish a family favorite that feels luxurious yet effortless. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or craving a comforting pasta night, this recipe delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Shrimp Penne Pasta, how to choose the right shrimp, how to avoid overcooking, delicious variations, storage tips, and more. Let’s make your next pasta night unforgettable.

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Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Penne Pasta

Shrimp penne pasta is beloved for many reasons:

1. Quick and Easy

Shrimp cooks in minutes, making this a fast dinner option. Everything comes together in 20–30 minutes.

2. Restaurant Flavor at Home

Creamy garlic sauce, juicy shrimp, and perfectly al dente penne—this dish tastes just like an upscale Italian restaurant entrée.

3. Balanced and Satisfying

You get:

• Lean protein
• Comforting carbs
• Healthy fats in the sauce
• Optional veggies for extra nutrients

4. Customizable

Go creamy, spicy, lemony, tomato-based, or even lighten the sauce—this recipe adapts to your taste.

5. Perfect for Entertaining

It looks beautiful on the table and impresses guests without requiring complicated steps.

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Ingredients for Shrimp Penne Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need for the classic creamy version:

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Salt for boiling water

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup pasta water
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil (garnish)

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How to Make Shrimp Penne Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps for a perfect pasta every time.

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Step 1: Cook the Penne

1. Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add penne and cook until al dente, usually 10–11 minutes.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

The starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce.

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Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil + butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer.
5. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
6. Remove from pan and set aside.

Important: Don’t overcook!
Shrimp cooks fast and becomes rubbery if left on heat too long.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp butter.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
6. Add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

The sauce should be silky and slightly thick.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add cooked penne into the sauce.
2. Toss until fully coated.
3. Add shrimp back to the skillet.
4. Garnish with parsley or basil.
5. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

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Flavor Variations

This dish is incredibly versatile—try one of these delicious twists:

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1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Penne Pasta

Add:

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Extra red pepper flakes
• Dash of paprika

This turns the dish into a bold, smoky, spicy pasta.

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2. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne

Add:

• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Bonus: add spinach for brightness

Perfect for a lighter, refreshing option.

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3. Tomato Basil Shrimp Penne

Replace the cream sauce with:

• 1 cup marinara
• Fresh basil
• A splash of cream (optional)

A great choice for those who love red sauce pastas.

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4. Shrimp Alfredo Penne

Use a classic Alfredo sauce:

• Butter
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan

Rich, velvety, and incredibly satisfying.

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5. Veggie-Loaded Shrimp Penne

Add sautéed:

• Baby spinach
• Cherry tomatoes
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini

A healthier, colorful version.

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6. Low-Calorie Shrimp Penne

Swap:

• Heavy cream → half-and-half
• Butter → olive oil
• Add extra vegetables

Still creamy but lighter.

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Choosing the Best Shrimp

For best flavor and texture:

Size:

Use large (21/25) or jumbo (16/20) shrimp.

Fresh vs. Frozen:

Frozen shrimp is great—just thaw before cooking.

Peeled & Deveined:

Saves time and creates a cleaner dish.

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Tips for Perfect Shrimp Penne Pasta

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp should turn pink and curl into a “C” shape—any tighter means it’s overdone.

2. Salt Your Pasta Water

It enhances flavor and seasons the pasta from the inside.

3. Use Fresh Parmesan

Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

4. Reserve Pasta Water

It thickens and emulsifies the sauce beautifully.

5. Toss Pasta in the Sauce

Never pour sauce over pasta—coat it fully in the pan.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair Shrimp Penne Pasta with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Caprese salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Parmesan crusted breadsticks

For drinks:

• Sparkling water
• White wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Lemon iced tea

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Storing & Reheating Shrimp Penne Pasta

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but tomato-based versions do.

Reheating

• Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals.

Avoid reheating multiple times to keep shrimp tender.

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Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 450–600
• Protein: 25–30g
• Carbs: 40–50g
• Fat: 20–28g

Nutrition varies based on cream amount and add-ins.

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Shrimp Penne Pasta Recipe (Printable Version)

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan
• ½ cup pasta water
• Paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook penne; reserve pasta water.
2. Season and sauté shrimp; remove.
3. Make sauce with butter, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and pasta water.
4. Add pasta and shrimp; toss well.
5. Serve with parsley and extra cheese.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes! Fettuccine, linguine, rigatoni, or farfalle all work great.

2. Can I make this nondairy?

Try coconut cream + nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

3. Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?

Absolutely—thinly sliced chicken breast works well.

4. What if I want more sauce?

Add an extra ½ cup cream or splash of broth.

5. Can I make it spicy?

Add Cajun seasoning, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.

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Final Thoughts

Shrimp Penne Pasta is the ultimate combination of simplicity and gourmet flavor. With tender shrimp, buttery garlic, and a creamy rich sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, this pasta delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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