Shrimp and Tomato Cream Penne Pasta

Shrimp and Tomato Cream Penne Pasta is a luxurious, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a rich, creamy tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish offers a beautiful balance of sweetness from the shrimp, acidity from the tomatoes, and creaminess from the sauce, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

With simple ingredients, yet restaurant-quality flavor, this pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions. The vibrant colors and aromatic flavors make it visually appealing and deeply satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s indulgent yet approachable. The succulent shrimp cook quickly and stay tender, while the creamy tomato sauce is rich without being overly heavy.

Every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors: the subtle sweetness of the shrimp, the tangy freshness of tomatoes, and the silky smoothness of the cream.

It’s a dish that feels elegant and comforting at the same time. The best part is that it comes together quickly, making it ideal for both busy nights and leisurely dinners.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it transforms everyday pasta into a gourmet meal. The combination of shrimp, tomato, and cream is classic, universally loved, and offers a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.

It’s perfect for seafood lovers, pasta enthusiasts, or anyone looking to impress guests with minimal effort. It’s visually stunning, bursting with flavor, and delivers a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and richness.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 550–600 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Shrimp:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for flavor)

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red chili flakes for heat

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes and Italian herbs. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until tomatoes reduce slightly.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if desired.
6. Add cooked penne pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
7. Garnish with chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Prepare shrimp: Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sauté in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet.
3. Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in the skillet, cook onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Prepare sauce: Add diced tomatoes and herbs, simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Add cream: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth sauce. Adjust seasoning.
6. Combine pasta and shrimp: Toss penne and shrimp in the sauce, ensuring even coating.
7. Garnish: Add fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve Shrimp and Tomato Cream Penne Pasta hot, directly from the skillet or plated individually. Pair with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a full Italian-inspired meal.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen works if thawed properly.
• Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
• Simmer the sauce to thicken slightly before adding pasta for a creamier consistency.
• Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Vegetable Addition: Include spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in garlic butter instead of olive oil for extra richness.
• Tomato-Free Cream Pasta: Use roasted red peppers blended with cream as a tomato-free alternative.
• Whole Wheat Penne: Swap regular penne for whole wheat for a fiber boost.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for best texture, as shrimp and cream sauces do not freeze well.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce consistency.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw fully before cooking and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce in advance, but cook shrimp fresh to prevent overcooking.

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes, fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni work well.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
A: Stir in cream gradually over low heat and avoid boiling after adding cream.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Tomato Cream Penne Pasta is a luxurious, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. The tender shrimp, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta create a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and quick preparation, this recipe is a must-have for any pasta lover and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.