Quick & Zesty Creamy Basil Shrimp Penne Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Tender shrimp dance through a luscious, creamy basil shrimp penne that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Fresh herbs and succulent seafood combine in this restaurant-worthy dish.

Each forkful brings together delicate pasta and plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a silky sauce.

The vibrant green basil adds a bright, aromatic touch that awakens every sense.

Garlic and parmesan weave their magic, creating layers of rich, complex flavor.

This simple yet elegant meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Best Way to Store Basil Shrimp Penne

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption, keeping the creamy sauce's texture intact.
• Optimal Cold Storage Duration: Refrigerate for maximum 2-3 days. Shrimp and cream-based sauces are delicate, so consume quickly to enjoy peak flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of half and half to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir continuously to prevent sauce separation and maintain even heating.
• Freezing Recommendation: Not recommended due to cream sauce's tendency to break and separate when thawed. Fresh preparation yields the best taste and texture for this delicate pasta dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 514 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Basil Shrimp Penne Ingredient Lineup

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta shape that cradles the creamy sauce perfectly, choose high-quality bronze-cut pasta for better sauce absorption.
• Olive Oil: Creates a flavor foundation and helps prevent sticking, select extra virgin for richer taste.

• Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that cooks quickly, look for fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp with firm, translucent flesh.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds depth, choose fresh cloves for most vibrant flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy element that adds Mediterranean brightness, select oil-packed for more intense taste.
• Dried Basil: Earthy herb that provides classic Italian undertones, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers subtle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky note, opt for sweet or smoked variety.

• Half and Half: Creates luxurious, silky sauce base, choose organic for richer texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds creamy richness, fresh varieties work best.
• Salt: Crucial for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile, use sea salt or kosher salt.

Cooking Tools for Basil Shrimp Penne

• Large Skillet: Wide, deep pan for sautéing and cooking multiple ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta efficiently.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, spices, and seasonings.
• Measuring Cup: Needed for measuring half and half and pasta water.
• Knife: For mincing garlic and any additional chopping.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for food preparation.

Making Basil Shrimp Penne Easily

• Pasta Preparation

Boil penne in a pot of salted water until perfectly tender. Save some pasta water before draining, which will help create a silky sauce later.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Warm olive oil in a skillet and quickly cook shrimp with fragrant garlic. They’ll turn a beautiful pink and develop a golden edge. Season with a pinch of salt and remove from heat.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

In the same skillet, sauté sun-dried tomatoes and remaining garlic. Pour in half and half, letting it bubble gently. Melt mozzarella into the liquid, creating a luxurious white sauce. Sprinkle in dried basil, red pepper flakes, and a touch of paprika for depth.

• Final Fusion

Fold pasta into the velvety sauce, ensuring each noodle gets coated. Return shrimp to the skillet, letting everything mingle and warm together. If sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water to reach perfect consistency. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and comfort.

Add-Ons for Basil Shrimp Penne Flavor Boost

• Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy liquid gold when draining pasta – it helps create silky, clingy sauces that perfectly coat every noodle.
• Shrimp Searing Secrets: Get a gorgeous golden color by patting shrimp dry before cooking and avoiding overcrowding the pan for maximum caramelization.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Cut mozzarella into small pieces and stir slowly to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce without scorching the bottom of the skillet.
• Herb Boost Option: Swap dried basil for fresh chopped basil right before serving to add a bright, intense flavor burst that elevates the entire dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from a gentle warmth to a fiery kick that awakens your taste buds.

How to Serve Basil Shrimp Penne Beautifully

• Seaside Dinner Party Delight: Serve this creamy shrimp pasta on elegant white plates with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Casual Family Feast: Pair the dish with a crisp side salad and warm garlic bread to create a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the creamy sauce and shrimp with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the dish's delicate flavors and create a perfect dining experience.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch, serving cold or gently reheated for a quick and tasty midday meal.

Silky Basil Shrimp Penne Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delicious creamy basil shrimp penne brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables with ease. Quick pasta dishes offer simple elegance for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality meals you can prepare in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) shrimp, deveined and shells removed
• 8 oz (226 g) penne pasta (use gluten-free brown rice pasta for a gluten-free version)
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (use pre-shredded Mozzarella, not fresh)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 oz (113 g) sun-dried tomatoes, without oil
• 2 tbsps olive oil (preferably from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
• ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more, as needed)
• 1 tbsp dried basil (use more if fresh)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, add more to taste
• 1/8 tsp paprika
• Additional ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge penne in vigorously boiling water according to package instructions. Carefully extract a portion of starchy liquid before draining and set pasta aside.
2. Shrimp Searing: Heat olive oil in a generously sized skillet over high temperature. Add shrimp with half the garlic, cooking until transforming to a delicate pink. Sprinkle salt, quickly rotating each piece to achieve a golden exterior. Transfer shrimp, preserving the aromatic oil in the pan.
3. Sauce Crafting: Within the same skillet, toast sun-dried tomatoes and remaining garlic until fragrant. Pour half and half, bringing to a gentle simmer. Whisk in mozzarella until achieving a luxurious, smooth texture. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved liquid or additional cream. Incorporate dried basil, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Season with salt to elevate flavor profile.
4. Final Fusion: Gently fold pasta into the creamy sauce, reheating and ensuring complete coverage. Reintegrate seared shrimp, allowing ingredients to meld and temperature to harmonize. Modulate sauce thickness by gradually introducing reserved liquid, maintaining a sumptuous consistency.

Notes

• Preserve Pasta Water: Starchy liquid acts as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and add depth to your creamy basil shrimp penne.
• Sear Shrimp Perfectly: Cook quickly on high heat to achieve a golden exterior without overcooking, ensuring tender and juicy seafood.
• Balance Sauce Texture: Gradually add reserved pasta water or cream to create a silky, luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Toast garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to release their aromatic oils, intensifying the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 514
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg