Elevate Your Weeknights: Easy Roasted Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Penne Pasta
Prepare for a culinary delight that will quickly become a cherished family favorite: succulent shrimp and tender penne pasta, generously coated in a luxurious, light cream sauce. This exquisite dish is beautifully accented by the mellow sweetness of aromatic roasted garlic and the delicate flavor of sautéed shallots. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture promise to leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to transform your dinner table with this irresistibly flavorful and surprisingly simple recipe.
The Magic of Roasted Garlic: Flavor & Convenience
One of the star ingredients in this shrimp and pasta dish is the roasted garlic. Roasting garlic transforms its pungent, sharp flavor into a sweet, caramelized, and incredibly mellow delight. This process not only enhances the taste profile of the entire dish but also makes it far more digestible and appealing to even the most sensitive palates. The deep, rich notes of roasted garlic are what truly elevate this cream sauce from good to extraordinary, providing a foundational depth that complements the delicate shrimp and pasta perfectly.
A fantastic tip for home cooks is to roast garlic in larger batches than you immediately need. Roasted garlic freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect component for meal prepping and saving time on future culinary endeavors. It’s just as easy to roast a whole panful of garlic bulbs as it is to roast just two. This strategic approach ensures you always have this flavorful ingredient on hand to quickly whip up your favorite garlic-infused dishes, from spreads and dips to savory sauces and dressings. Having roasted garlic ready in your freezer means you’re always just a few steps away from adding a gourmet touch to any meal.
To freeze roasted garlic, simply squeeze the softened cloves out of their bulbs gently once they’ve cooled. Arrange the individual cloves in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a small pan that can fit easily into your freezer. Place them in the freezer until they are completely frozen through. This prevents them from sticking together in a large clump, allowing you to grab just the amount you need later. Once frozen solid, transfer the cloves into a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Be sure to label the container with the date and “Roasted Garlic Cloves” so you can easily identify them and keep track of their freshness. Stored properly, roasted garlic can last for several months in the freezer, ready to infuse your next meal with its irresistible flavor.
Recipe
Shrimp in Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce over Penne Pasta
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Ingredients
Crafting a truly exceptional dish begins with selecting quality ingredients. For this roasted garlic shrimp and penne pasta recipe, fresh, plump shrimp are key – look for wild-caught options if available. While frozen shrimp work perfectly (just remember to thaw them properly), fresh shrimp can offer a slightly better texture. Similarly, choosing good quality penne pasta will ensure it holds up well to the rich cream sauce. Don’t shy away from investing in a decent Parmesan cheese; freshly grated always tastes superior to pre-shredded varieties and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Oil, as needed (olive oil recommended for flavor)
- 2 shallots, minced (or 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion)
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium is best)
- 2 whole garlic bulbs (for roasting)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk for a richer sauce, or 2% for lighter)
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. water, room temperature
- 1 lb. penne pasta (or other preferred short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni)
- 1 lb. frozen raw shrimp, thawed, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or fresh parsley for a more classic Italian flavor)
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving
Instructions
This roasted garlic shrimp pasta comes together in a few easy steps, making it an ideal choice for a delightful dinner without excessive effort. The key to its rich flavor lies in the roasted garlic, which you can even prepare ahead of time. Once the garlic is roasted, the sauce base comes together quickly with sautéed shallots and broth, then blended with milk and a cornstarch slurry for a smooth, creamy finish. The shrimp are cooked last, ensuring they remain tender and perfectly juicy, then tossed with the finished sauce and pasta. Follow these instructions carefully for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Roast the Garlic
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the garlic to slowly caramelize and soften without burning, developing its signature sweet flavor.
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Carefully cut the top ¼ inch off each garlic bulb, exposing the very tops of the cloves. This allows the oil and seasonings to penetrate and helps the cloves soften evenly.
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Place the prepared garlic bulbs on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap them completely. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then lightly sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Close the foil tightly around the garlic, creating a sealed packet. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cloves are incredibly tender. You should be able to easily squeeze them out of the head. The cloves will have a golden-brown hue, but should not be burned.
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Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, gently squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out from the top of each head. Mash them lightly with a fork or back of a spoon to create a paste. Set aside for the sauce.
Prepare the Pasta and Sauce
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
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Meanwhile, as the pasta cooks, heat a small amount of olive oil (or other preferred cooking oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallots to the skillet.
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Sauté the shallots, stirring occasionally, until they turn light brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and the mashed roasted garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
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In a small, separate container, mix the room temperature water and cornstarch thoroughly until no lumps remain. This creates a slurry that will thicken your sauce.
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Add the milk to the simmering skillet ingredients, then slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until it begins to thicken slightly.
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Carefully transfer the skillet mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the skillet or a heat-safe bowl). Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Return the blended sauce to the skillet.
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Add the thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Sauté the shrimp over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long.
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Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley). If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, further thickening it and adding a wonderful savory depth.
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Drain the cooked penne pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp and creamy garlic sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the pasta is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh cilantro or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For an even richer sauce, you can substitute some or all of the milk with heavy cream. Alternatively, for a lighter version, use skim milk or a dairy-free milk alternative (like unsweetened almond milk) and a plant-based parmesan. Adjust seasoning as needed, as broth and cheeses can vary in sodium content.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Do not microwave shrimp pasta for best results, as shrimp can easily become rubbery.
Variations & Serving Suggestions for Your Shrimp Pasta
This roasted garlic shrimp and penne pasta recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Consider these delicious variations:
- **Protein Alternatives:** Not a fan of shrimp? This creamy garlic sauce pairs wonderfully with other proteins. Try grilled chicken breast, seared scallops, or even white fish. For a vegetarian option, sautéed mushrooms or cannellini beans can be excellent additions.
- **Add Vegetables:** Boost the nutritional content and color of your dish by incorporating vegetables. Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or broccoli florets can be added to the skillet alongside the shrimp or pasta.
- **Different Pasta Shapes:** While penne is excellent, feel free to experiment with other pasta types. Fettuccine, linguine, spaghetti, or even rotini would work well to cradle the creamy sauce.
- **Spice It Up:** For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the shallots can provide a welcome kick.
- **Herb Swap:** If cilantro isn’t your preference, fresh parsley or basil are fantastic alternatives that will lend a more traditional Italian flavor profile.
To complete your meal, serve this delightful shrimp pasta with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A basket of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious garlic cream sauce. Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the flavors and create a truly memorable dining experience.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Dish Every Time
Achieving culinary perfection often comes down to a few key techniques. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Roasted Garlic Shrimp with Creamy Penne Pasta is a resounding success:
- **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Shrimp cooks very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, diminishing the quality of your dish.
- **Al Dente Pasta:** Always cook your pasta al dente, meaning “to the tooth.” It should be firm but still have a slight bite. Since it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce, this prevents it from becoming mushy.
- **Blend the Sauce Well:** For the smoothest, silkiest cream sauce, ensure it is thoroughly blended. An immersion blender makes this step incredibly easy, allowing you to blend directly in the skillet. If using a regular blender, be cautious with hot liquids and blend in batches if necessary.
- **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Seasoning is crucial. Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and shrimp, and again before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed to brighten the flavors. Remember that Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so factor that in.
- **Reserved Pasta Water is Gold:** The starchy water leftover from cooking pasta is an invaluable tool for saucemaking. It helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling better to the pasta and achieving the perfect consistency. Don’t throw it all away!
Nutrition per serving
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Conclusion: A New Family Favorite Awaits
There’s something truly magical about a well-executed pasta dish, and this Shrimp in Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce over Penne Pasta is no exception. With its rich, mellow garlic flavor, succulent shrimp, and perfectly coated pasta, it delivers a comforting yet elegant dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be approachable and incredibly rewarding. By utilizing the simple trick of roasting garlic and mastering a few basic steps, you can create a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also delights the senses. Don’t wait to bring this fantastic weeknight dinner idea to your kitchen – it’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation and a dish your family will request again and again.