Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Penne Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Penne Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce flavored with spinach and tomatoes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release juices.
4. Step 4: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
6. Step 6: Return cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately. Enjoy with a crisp salad or crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
• Swap penne for fettuccine or rigatoni based on your preference.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated carefully to retain its creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Penne Pasta?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Crusty bread is also great for soaking up the rich sauce.

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Penne Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Penne Pasta is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp, tender penne pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce made with garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines fresh ingredients with Italian seasoning to create a savory and comforting meal that is quick and simple to prepare.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta

Shrimp and Protein

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Herbs

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• Fresh basil for garnish

Dairy and Fats

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
4. Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Create the Sauce: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta. Toss gently to coat evenly with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately. This dish goes well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
• Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Serve immediately for best taste as the creamy sauce thickens upon standing.

Keywords: Tuscan shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, penne pasta with shrimp, Italian pasta recipe, creamy Tuscan sauce