Shrimp Penne Extraordinaire
Dive into a world of rich Mediterranean flavors with Shrimp Penne Extraordinaire, a quick and luxurious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe combines tender penne pasta and succulent shrimp, delicately seasoned with garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a hint of zesty lemon juice. A creamy sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes creates a silky coating that ties everything together beautifully. The finishing touch of fresh basil adds a burst of aroma and color, making each bite irresistible. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this easy pasta dish is a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly recreate at home. Serve it piping hot and watch it become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 units garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and fully cooked. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Add the cooked penne and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Stir in the fresh basil and the remaining lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and basil if desired. Enjoy your Shrimp Penne Extraordinaire!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
647 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.1 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.9 g | 100% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 312 mg | 104% | |
| Sodium | 1021 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g | ||
| Protein | 39.5 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 277 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 669 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
