If you're craving a creamy and delicious meal, I've got the perfect dish for you: Shrimp Alfredo Penne. This easy recipe combines tender shrimp and rich Alfredo sauce, all tossed with al dente penne. You'll find that you can whip this up in no time, impressing family and friends with each bite. Ready to dive into this savory treat? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Flavorful Shrimp: Sauteing the shrimp with garlic and Italian seasoning adds a depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Customizable: You can easily add vegetables or swap shrimp for another protein to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Shrimp Alfredo Penne
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnishing Ingredients
- Fresh parsley, chopped
In this creamy shrimp Alfredo penne, I use simple yet fresh ingredients. The penne pasta serves as a great base. It holds the sauce well and adds a nice bite. I prefer large shrimp since they provide a great texture. Make sure to peel and devein them for the best taste.
Olive oil adds a rich flavor when I sauté the shrimp. Garlic enhances the dish’s aroma and taste. For the sauce, I use heavy cream for creaminess and Parmesan cheese for a savory kick. Italian seasoning blends all the flavors together. I often add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Finally, I garnish the dish with fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness. The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful meal that feels special yet easy to make.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Penne Pasta
- Start by boiling salted water in a large pot.
- Once the water is boiling, add 12 oz of penne pasta.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sautéing the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, add 1 lb of large shrimp.
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes. They should turn pink and be opaque.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute.
- After the garlic is fragrant, reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
Combining the Dish
- Add the cooked penne and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet.
- Gently toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Heat through for an additional minute before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Shrimp
- Choosing the right size shrimp: Use large shrimp for this dish. They hold up well in the sauce and give a nice bite. Look for shrimp that are 21-25 count per pound. This means you get about 21 to 25 shrimp in a pound.
- Cooking tips for tenderness: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and chewy. Remove them from the heat as soon as they change color.
Enhancing the Alfredo Sauce
- Adjusting creaminess to taste: Start with 1 cup of heavy cream. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more cream slowly while stirring. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
- Flavor variations with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. You can also try garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Just a little can make a big difference.
Pasta Cooking Tips
- Importance of al dente pasta: Cook the penne until it is slightly firm. This gives a nice texture that stands up well to the sauce. Follow the package time but check it a minute early.
- Options for gluten-free alternatives: If you need gluten-free pasta, look for brands made from rice or quinoa. They work well in this dish and taste great. Cook them just like regular penne.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the penne until al dente for the best texture. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Fresh Shrimp: Always use fresh or properly thawed shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain its juiciness.
- Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother sauce. Pre-grated cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect the creaminess of the sauce.
- Adjusting Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add more garlic for an extra flavor boost!
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap heavy cream for lighter options. Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for less fat. These choices keep the sauce creamy without the extra calories. If you prefer a different seafood, try scallops or crab instead of shrimp. Both options add unique flavors and textures.
Additions for Extra Flavor
Want more color and nutrition? Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli. They blend well with the creamy sauce and add a fresh taste. You can also mix in chicken for an extra protein boost. Chicken pairs nicely with shrimp, making the dish heartier.
Different Pasta Types
Penne is great, but other shapes work too! Fusilli or rigatoni are fun alternatives. Just keep an eye on cooking times. Thicker pasta shapes might need a bit longer to cook. Always check for al dente to ensure the best texture.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
When you have extra Shrimp Alfredo Penne, store it right. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. I recommend using glass containers, as they do not stain and are easy to clean. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your Shrimp Alfredo Penne, use a skillet on low heat. This method helps keep the sauce creamy. Add a splash of cream or water to the skillet. Stir often until the dish warms up. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze Shrimp Alfredo Penne! It’s best to freeze it before you add the shrimp. To freeze properly, portion the dish into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bags with the date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently for the best results.
FAQs
How do you know when shrimp is done cooking?
You can tell shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque. The shrimp should curl into a loose "C" shape. If they curl tightly into an "O," they are overcooked. Cooking shrimp takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely, as they cook quickly. Remove them from heat once they look firm and bright.
Can I make Shrimp Alfredo Penne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the penne and shrimp, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in the fridge too. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on low heat. Combine everything just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can swap heavy cream for lighter options like half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Choose whole wheat penne for more fiber. Use less cheese or a lower-fat version. Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition. These changes keep it tasty while making it a better choice.
In this article, we explored how to make a delicious shrimp Alfredo penne dish. We covered the main ingredients, including pasta, shrimp, and creamy sauce. I shared tips to ensure perfect shrimp and flavorful sauce, along with variations and storage advice.
Whether you enjoy it fresh or plan for leftovers, this dish is sure to please. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey!
