Creamy Shrimp Baked Pasta with Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and comforting baked pasta loaded with tender shrimp in a rich cream sauce, topped with melted Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne pasta, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces penne pasta for 9 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, cook for 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce and 1 cup heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine and coat with sauce.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top and transfer the skillet to the oven.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven, garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Shrimp Baked Pasta with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Shrimp Baked Pasta with Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Shrimp Baked Pasta with Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Shrimp Baked Pasta with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Shrimp Baked Pasta with Parmesan?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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