*This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. For more information, please see our disclaimer.
If there’s one meal that embodies cozy indulgence and restaurant-worthy flavor without the fuss, it’s this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Shrimp with Penne Pasta served with golden crusty bread. This dish brings together tender shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly paired with al dente penne and warm bread to mop up every drop.
I first made this dish on a rainy Sunday when I wanted something comforting yet impressive. After just one bite, my family was hooked. It’s now a regular in our dinner rotation—and a favorite for dinner parties too.
If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying, and elegant meal, this recipe delivers. It tastes like it came from a high-end bistro, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why Make This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Shrimp?
This dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s about the experience. Here’s why you should make this tonight:
1. Rich, But Not Heavy
The Parmesan cream sauce is indulgent but balanced with the freshness of shrimp and a hint of lemon, making it perfect for year-round meals.
2. Fast and Easy
From prep to plate, this meal takes under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
3. Impressive Presentation
Elegant enough for special occasions but effortless to make, this meal always earns compliments.
4. Protein-Packed
Shrimp is a lean, high-protein food that supports muscle repair and satiety.
5. Power-Food Friendly
This dish features ingredients like garlic and shrimp that are highlighted in The Encyclopedia of Power Foods for their health benefits—more on that throughout the post!
Power Tip: Garlic, shrimp, and parsley are featured in The Encyclopedia of Power Foods for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Discover more power ingredients in this essential guide to smart eating!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this restaurant-style meal at home:
For the Shrimp & Sauce:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
¼ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Pasta & Bread:
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Crusty bread (baguette or ciabatta), sliced and lightly toasted
Read More: Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Garlic, Lemon, and White Wine Butter Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to recreate the creamy magic in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt.
Cook penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze with chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Add lemon juice and taste for seasoning.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return shrimp to the skillet.
Add cooked penne pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Step 5: Serve with Crusty Bread
Slice your bread and toast lightly.
Serve warm alongside the creamy pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Did You Know? Parmesan and garlic are both gut-friendly foods packed with nutrients. You can find over 100 healing ingredients like these in The Encyclopedia of Power Foods—a must-have for anyone who wants to eat for strength and longevity.
Tips and Substitutions
Low-Carb Option: Substitute zucchini noodles or cooked spaghetti squash for penne.
Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in Greek yogurt (off heat to prevent curdling).
Herb Upgrade: Fresh basil or thyme makes a delicious aromatic twist.
No Parmesan? Grana Padano or Asiago are excellent substitutes.
Add Veggies: Wilt in some baby spinach or toss in steamed broccoli for more fiber.
Read More: Creamy Shrimp Gnocchi with Spinach
Recipe Variations
Here are a few creative spins on the original dish:
Cajun Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before sautéing for a spicy Southern flair.
Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Shrimp: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for a tangy-sweet layer of flavor.
Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Bake: Transfer the finished dish into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 3–5 minutes.
Shrimp and Spinach Pesto Pasta: Replace the cream sauce with homemade pesto for a lighter, herby variation.
For even more variation ideas that use nutrient-rich ingredients, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is packed with over 200 healing recipes that you’ll actually crave.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving, Serves 4)
Calories: 610 kcal
Protein: 36g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Cholesterol: 225mg
Key Nutrients: Vitamin B12, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin D
Read More: Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage:
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Not recommended due to the cream sauce texture.
Serving Ideas:
Pair with a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Learn how to pair your meals for maximum nutritional impact with help from The Encyclopedia of Power Foods—a trusted guide to eating with intention and balance.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw them in cold water first and pat dry thoroughly before cooking.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: Simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a cornstarch slurry for extra thickness.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but add them to the sauce at the end just to warm through, or they may become rubbery.
Q: What can I use instead of shrimp?
A: Sliced chicken breast, scallops, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta—especially when it’s packed with succulent garlic shrimp and showered in freshly grated Parmesan. This dish brings together the richness of a restaurant meal with the ease of a quick weeknight dinner, proving you don’t need complicated steps or fancy tools to create something truly satisfying.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or impressing guests with your kitchen skills, this creamy parmesan garlic shrimp is a recipe worth keeping on repeat. And don’t forget that crusty bread—you’ll want every last drop of that luscious sauce.
You May Also Like:
1. Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
3. Viral Cucumber Salad Recipe
4. Classic Italian Bruschetta Recipe
