Craving comfort food with a gourmet twist? This creamy garlic shrimp penne Alfredo is a rich, satisfying dish that’s deceptively easy to make. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a garlic butter sauce and tossed with penne pasta in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or just a cozy dinner at home, this seafood pasta is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional for color)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or green onion (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt. Add red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion before serving.
Variations
- Swap shrimp for scallops, chicken, or tofu for different proteins
- Use fettuccine or linguine instead of penne
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture
- Make it dairy-free with coconut cream and vegan Parmesan
Cooking Note
- Do not overcook the shrimp—they turn rubbery quickly
- Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. It pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a cozy dinner, enjoy it with steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus on the side.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing as cream sauces can separate.
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Sodium:
680mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the Parmesan to 1/4 cup. You can also substitute zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta for a lower-carb or higher-fiber option. Try Greek yogurt for extra creaminess with less fat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking shrimp: Cook just until pink and opaque to keep them tender
- Skipping pasta water: It helps bind the sauce and makes it silky
- Using pre-shredded cheese: It won’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated Parmesan
- Boiling cream: Keep the sauce at a simmer to avoid breaking
Conclusion
This creamy garlic shrimp penne Alfredo is comfort food at its finest. Rich, flavorful, and fast to prepare, it’s a winning dinner every time. Whether you’re feeding the family or just indulging yourself, this recipe never disappoints. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your photos!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately and combine before serving for best results.
Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Q3: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta to make it fully gluten-free.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne Alfredo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, garlicky pasta loaded with juicy shrimp and rich Alfredo sauce. Perfectly balanced with a hint of pepper and optional veggies.
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tbsp chopped parsley or green onion (for garnish)
Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
3. Add minced garlic and bell peppers. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt. Let it thicken slightly.
6. Add cooked pasta and toss until well coated.
7. Sprinkle parsley or green onion on top before serving.
Notes
If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry before cooking.
For extra creaminess, add 2 oz cream cheese while simmering.
Bell peppers are optional but add a nice color and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: shrimp alfredo, creamy pasta, easy dinner, garlic penne