Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Penne Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
