One-Pan Baked Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce

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

Tender shrimp and pasta baked together in a rich garlic cream sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs uncooked penne pasta, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large oven-safe baking dish, combine 12 oz uncooked penne pasta, 1 lb raw peeled and deveined shrimp, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and stir to combine evenly.
  2. Step 2: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes until the pasta is tender and shrimp is opaque and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove the foil carefully, stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Return to oven uncovered for 5 more minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Step 4: After baking, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately, spooning creamy sauce over pasta and shrimp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Baked Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Baked Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce?

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 uncooked penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Baked Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce?

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 One-Pan Baked Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce 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 One-Pan Baked Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce?

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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