Sheet Pan Shrimp Pasta Bake with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

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

A simple and satisfying pasta bake featuring tender shrimp and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce baked to bubbly perfection. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs uncooked penne pasta, medium 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 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 12 oz uncooked penne pasta. Cook for 8 minutes until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss 1 lb medium shrimp with 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until well coated.
  3. Step 3: Spread the shrimp mixture and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes on a large sheet pan. Roast in the oven for 6-8 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: While shrimp roast, combine 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: In a large baking dish, combine the drained pasta, roasted shrimp and tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Bake the assembled dish at 400°F for 10 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves over the pasta before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Shrimp Pasta Bake with Creamy Parmesan Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Sheet Pan Shrimp Pasta Bake with Creamy Parmesan 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 Sheet Pan Shrimp Pasta Bake with Creamy Parmesan 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 Pasta Bake with Creamy Parmesan 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 Pasta Bake with Creamy Parmesan 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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