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To make creamy garlic shrimp penne, gather these main items: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup spinach, fresh - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta well. The shrimp adds a lovely flavor and protein to your dish. You can customize your dish with these optional items: - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These add-ins enhance the flavor and make the dish more appealing. The red pepper flakes bring a nice kick, while parsley adds freshness. To prepare creamy garlic shrimp penne, use these tools: - Large pot (for cooking pasta) - Large skillet (for sauce and shrimp) - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. A good skillet helps you achieve that perfect creamy sauce. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it boils, toss in 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Make sure the pasta is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water for later! While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 pound of large shrimp. Season them with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until you smell that rich aroma. Next, add 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Scrape up any bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. After that, reduce the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes. It should thicken up a bit during this time. Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained penne and 1 cup of fresh spinach to the skillet. Mix well until the spinach wilts and everything is coated in that creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, pour in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends in. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, mixing until everything is well combined. Serve your creamy garlic shrimp penne on plates and garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if you wish! To cook shrimp just right, start with large, fresh shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like spice. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Remove them from the skillet to avoid overcooking. This step keeps them tender and juicy. If your sauce seems too thick, don’t worry! You can fix it easily. Just add a little reserved pasta water. Start with a tablespoon and mix it in. Keep adding until you reach the desired creaminess. The water helps thin the sauce without losing flavor. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. This will help it thicken naturally. To store leftovers, let the creamy garlic shrimp penne cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheating is simple. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often until it’s heated through. Enjoy your meal just like it was freshly made! Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the penne until it's al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy. Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic, and let it simmer to reduce before adding the chicken broth for an extra depth of flavor. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cream alternatives. {{image_2}} You can make creamy garlic shrimp penne even better by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers for sweetness, or zucchini for a nice crunch. Broccoli or asparagus work well too. Just sauté them with the shrimp for a tasty touch. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. Plus, it makes your meal even more filling. Not a fan of shrimp? No problem! You can swap shrimp for chicken or scallops. Thinly sliced chicken breast cooks fast and soaks up the creamy sauce nicely. If you prefer, use firm tofu for a plant-based option. Each choice gives your penne a unique flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything cooks well. If you need a gluten-free meal, opt for gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. You can also use spiralized veggies like zucchini or carrots as a base. They add a fresh taste while keeping the dish light. With these swaps, you can enjoy creamy garlic shrimp penne without worry. Store your creamy garlic shrimp penne in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. Place the container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. If you have extra sauce, store it separately. This helps maintain the dish's creamy texture. You can freeze creamy garlic shrimp penne, but it may change texture. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to cool the dish first. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label your container with the date. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat your creamy garlic shrimp penne on the stove for best results. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help with the sauce. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your meal hot! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Drain well before cooking. This saves time and still gives great flavor. You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess without too many calories. Adjust seasonings if needed to maintain flavor. To add heat, use red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also add hot sauce to the cream sauce for more kick. Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to eat. This keeps everything tasting great. Simple sides work best. A fresh green salad complements the rich sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also go well. Garlic bread is a great choice too; it soaks up the sauce nicely. In this article, we explored how to make creamy garlic shrimp penne. We covered key ingredients, easy cooking steps, and useful tips to get the best results. You can mix add-ins and try variations to change the dish. Remember, perfect shrimp and a smooth sauce are vital. Store leftovers properly for tasty meals later. Enjoy making this dish, and impress everyone with your cooking skills. Making tasty meals brings joy, so give it a try!

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Penne

Indulge in this creamy garlic shrimp penne, the ultimate shrimp pasta recipe that is both easy and delicious! Perfect for any night of the week, this garlic shrimp pasta features succulent shrimp and fresh spinach tossed in a rich creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a delightful meal everyone will love. Don't miss out—try this easy shrimp penne today! Save this recipe for your next dinner! #ShrimpPasta #CreamyPenne #EasyDinner #PastaLovers
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup spinach, fresh

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook Penne: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

        Add Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

          Combine Pasta and Spinach: Stir in the cooked penne and add the fresh spinach. Mix well until the spinach wilts. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

            Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Add the shrimp back into the skillet and mix until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.

              Serve and Garnish: Divide the creamy garlic shrimp penne among plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4