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Homemade Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne recipe photo

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne is quick, bright, and indulgently creamy—a perfect weeknight dinner that feels fancy but comes together fast!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces penne pasta the perfect pasta shape to hold onto that creamy sauce
  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing the shrimp and garlic, adds depth of flavor
  • 4 cloves garlic minced, the star aromatic that infuses the sauce with boldness
  • 1 cup heavy cream creates the luscious, silky base of the sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth adds savory depth and thins out the cream just enough
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced, brightens and balances the richness perfectly
  • 1 teaspoon salt essential for seasoning throughout
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper adds a subtle kick
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for a fresh, herbal finish
  • Parmesan cheese for serving, optional but highly recommended for that extra umami punch

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Microplane or fine grater
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don't let it brown). Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the shrimp for extra flavor.
Step 4: Add Cream and Lemon
  1. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add the lemon zest and juice, then season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp
  1. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy lemon garlic sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Parmesan
  1. Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra nutrition.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.