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A creamy Shrimp and Penne Pasta with Creamy Marinara Sauce is a quick, easy and tasty meal for a busy night.
Why I Love This Recipe
Pasta recipes are my go-to recipes when I want a quick, hearty, flavorful meal.
I often prefer my pasta simple, with just a bit of extra virgin olive oil, some sautéed garlic, and a touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
But there are times when I want to elevate a simple pasta dish a bit. When that time strikes, this easy shrimp and penne pasta with creamy marinara sauce recipe is one I call upon.
Ingredient Notes
See recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Pasta: I used penne pasta because that’s what I happen to have on hand. Just about any pasta will do here so use your favorite.
- Marinara sauce: I use a Classico 24 oz jar.
- Heavy cream: Also called double cream.
- Parmesan cheese: Mixed with the cream, Parmesan makes the sauce absolutely delicious!
- Shrimp: I use 2 cups of peeled and deveined shrimp.
- Butter: I use salted butter.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: For flavor.
How To Make This Recipe
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Pour in the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir several times until shrimp is cooked (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- In a medium saucepan over a medium high heat, pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir constantly until heated through. Stir in the parmesan cheese. The sauce should thicken as it heats and as you stir.
- Place the penne pasta in a large bowl. Pour the creamy marinara sauce over the pasta and add the shrimp to the bowl. Stir well until everything is mixed throughout.
- Serve and garnish with fresh, torn basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese, if you’d like.
Expert Tips
- This shrimp pasta recipe is one where it’s okay to use a little more or a little less shrimp.
- Use jarred Marinara sauce or make your own tomato sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Pull off the legs.
2) Using your fingers, crack open the underside of the shell and peel it off.
3) Pinch the tail where it meets the body of the shrimp and pull off.
1) Gently run a paring knife along the back of the shrimp.
2) Look for the vein. It will look like a long, dark, gritty string. Using the tip of your knife, pull it out.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients left over from this shrimp and pasta recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
- Pasta: Penne alla Vodka, Hamburger Casserole, Pasta Primavera
- Heavy cream: Panna Cotta, Two Ingredient Chocolate Mousse, French Silk Pie
- Parmesan cheese: Alfredo Sauce, Smashed Potatoes, Broiled Tomatoes
- Shrimp: Baked Shrimp, Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Sauce, Cioppino
Enjoy!
Shrimp and Penne Pasta with Creamy Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta (or choose your favorite pasta)
- 1 ounce jar Marinara Sauce (I used Classico 24 jar)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese , grated
- 2 cups shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Pour in the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the shrimp, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir several times until shrimp is cooked (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- In a medium saucepan over a medium high heat, pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir constantly until heated through. Stir in the parmesan cheese. The sauce should thicken as it heats and as you stir.
- Place the penne pasta in a large bowl. Pour the creamy marinara sauce over the pasta and add the shrimp to the bowl. Stir well until everything is mixed throughout.
- Serve and garnish with fresh, torn basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese, if you'd like.
made this tonight with peas & onion instead of shrimp (hey – it’s what i had). we were ready for something other than thanksgiving leftovers, but i haven’t quite made it to the grocery store. 🙂 it was great! i always appreciate a simple recipe i can make from what we have at home. thanks for sharing!
Helen, I’m so glad you liked it! I agree with you, we’re tired of our Thanksgiving leftovers too!