Half-Shell Shrimp Pasta
A rich, umami-packed pasta dish made with shrimp shells for broth, paired with creamy Parmesan and cherry tomatoes. This italian-inspired sheet pan ready in about 45 minutes pairs shrimp shells, cherry tomatoes, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shrimp shells
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, sauté shrimp shells with garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add white wine, 1/2 cup water, salt, and white pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then strain broth and discard shells.
- Step 3: Bring broth to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 4: In a skillet, combine cherry tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Cook over medium heat until sauce thickens (5-7 minutes).
- Step 5: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with sauce and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Shell Shrimp Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Half-Shell Shrimp Pasta?
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 shrimp shells from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Shell Shrimp Pasta?
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 Half-Shell Shrimp Pasta 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 Half-Shell Shrimp Pasta?
Italian sheet pan 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
