One-Pan Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce
A quick and comforting one-pan dish combining shrimp and pasta in a luscious garlic cream sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes blends uncooked penne pasta, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then transfer shrimp to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz uncooked penne pasta to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Step 6: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, toss gently to combine and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 7: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan 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 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 Shrimp Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce?
Italian one pot 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.
