Sheet Pan Shrimp and Penne with Garlic Cream Sauce
Juicy shrimp and penne pasta baked together with garlic and herbs, finished with a luscious cream sauce for an effortless weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired sheet pan ready in about 35 minutes blends ounces penne pasta, pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, tablespoons 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 670 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 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, toss 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread the shrimp evenly on a large rimmed sheet pan. Scatter 12 ounces dry penne pasta around the shrimp.
- Step 3: Pour 2 cups chicken broth over the pasta and shrimp, ensuring the broth mostly covers the pasta.
- Step 4: Cover the sheet pan tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and shrimp are opaque.
- Step 5: Remove the foil and stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Return to oven uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Shrimp and Penne 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 Sheet Pan Shrimp and Penne 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 Sheet Pan Shrimp and Penne 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 Sheet Pan Shrimp and Penne 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 Sheet Pan Shrimp and Penne with Garlic Cream Sauce?
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.
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