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Shrimp Penne Pasta

Creamy Shrimp Penne Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedge, for serving

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, about 11 to 13 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan until melted.
  4. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear them in the skillet for about 2 minutes per side until pink.
  5. Add the drained penne and 1/4 cup pasta water to the skillet. Toss until the sauce coats the pasta, adding more water if needed. Finish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Serve this as soon as it’s tossed; the sauce is creamiest right off the heat. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and warm it gently so the shrimp don’t overcook.