Creamy Lemon Shrimp Penne Pasta

Creamy Lemon Shrimp Penne Pasta is a dish that beautifully blends rich creaminess with refreshing citrus brightness. Imagine perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed with juicy, tender shrimp coated in a silky lemon-butter cream sauce infused with Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs.

It’s elegant enough for a dinner date yet quick and simple enough for a weeknight meal. The lemon gives it a lively freshness that balances the richness of the cream and cheese, while the shrimp adds a touch of luxury and protein to make this dish fulfilling and wholesome.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The sauce is velvety and infused with layers of buttery garlic, bright lemon zest, and a hint of spice from crushed red pepper—creating a perfectly balanced taste. The shrimp cook quickly, so the entire dish comes together faster than takeout.

It’s also extremely versatile: you can add vegetables, swap out proteins, or adjust the richness to suit your taste. Every bite feels comforting, refreshing, and satisfying.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Bold yet balanced flavor: The citrus and cream combination is irresistibly fresh and indulgent.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Restaurant-worthy: Tastes gourmet with minimal effort.
• Family-friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
• Customizable: Works with gluten-free pasta, chicken, salmon, or veggies.

This pasta is not just a recipe—it’s an experience.

Recipe Details

Feature	Information
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	18–20 minutes
Total Time	~30 minutes
Servings	4
Course	Dinner / Main
Cuisine	Italian-Inspired
Calories (Approx.)	540–620 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

For the Lemon Cream Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼–½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, 8–10 minutes.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
   → Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
2. Stir in chicken broth and simmer 1 minute.
3. Add heavy cream, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Simmer gently 3–4 minutes.
5. Add Parmesan and stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Combine

1. Add cooked pasta and shrimp back to the sauce.
2. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water only if needed.
3. Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

How to Serve

Serve immediately in warm plates and garnish with:

• Extra parsley
• A squeeze of fresh lemon
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Chardonnay or sparkling lemon water

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery quickly.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
• Adjust lemon juice based on personal taste: more for extra brightness, less for a milder flavor.
• If sauce thickens too much, thin with pasta water or broth.

Variations

Variation	Description
Chicken Lemon Pasta	Replace shrimp with sliced grilled or sautéed chicken.
Veggie Option	Add spinach, peas, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.
Herb Variations	Swap parsley with basil, dill, thyme, or chives.
Greek Inspired	Add feta cheese and olives instead of Parmesan.
Spicy Cajun Version	Use Cajun seasoning and add extra chili flakes.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze without shrimp for best texture; lasts up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Deep skillet or sauté pan
• Lemon zester (optional but helpful)
• Tongs or wooden spoon

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I substitute the cream?
Half-and-half works, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a little more cheese to thicken.

Q3: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes—linguine, rigatoni, or fettuccine work beautifully.

Q4: Can it be made dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Shrimp Penne Pasta is a luxurious yet simple dish with exceptional flavor balance—fresh, creamy, savory, and irresistibly smooth. Whether for a casual dinner, special occasion, or when you simply crave something delicious, this recipe never disappoints. The combination of shrimp, lemon, and creamy pasta is timeless, comforting, and satisfying—making it a true must-try meal.