Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Penne with Shrimp recipe is your answer to a quick and delicious weeknight meal. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, bursting with Mediterranean flavors, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters. Let's dive in!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate the flavors. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs and preferences. This recipe serves 2-3 people.
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 lemon, juiced
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Simple Cooking Guide
Follow these easy steps and you'll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal in no time!
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked penne, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Toss to combine. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
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Add the Shrimp and Cheese: Stir in the cooked shrimp and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Finish and Serve: Add the lemon juice and toss again. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Use good quality olive oil: The flavor of the olive oil will significantly impact the taste of the dish.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
- Add some vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini to make this a more complete meal.
Variations: Explore Different Flavors
- Spicy Shrimp Penne: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Creamy Shrimp Penne: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne: Boost the lemon flavor by adding the zest of the lemon along with the juice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This simple yet elegant Penne with Shrimp recipe is perfect for a delicious and healthy meal anytime. Enjoy!