Penne with Shrimp and Herbed Cream Sauce Giada

Indulge in the ultimate blend of elegance and comfort with this Penne with Shrimp and Herbed Cream Sauce inspired by Giada. This dish combines tender, al dente penne pasta with succulent shrimp sautéed to perfection in olive oil. The rich, velvety sauce—crafted with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of chicken or vegetable broth—gets a refreshing lift from fresh parsley and basil, creating a harmonious balance of creamy and herbaceous flavors. A touch of garlic infuses warmth, while optional crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Serve it hot, garnished with extra herbs and Parmesan for a finishing touch that takes every bite over the top.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken (or vegetable) broth. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6

Stir in the fresh parsley and basil, reserving a small amount for garnish. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 7

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 8

Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything evenly.

Step 9

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with the remaining chopped herbs and additional grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1387.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3383.2

Total Fat 177.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 89.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1305.8mg	0%
Sodium 3614.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 255.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.3g	0%
Total Sugars 0.5g
Protein 177.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 883.3mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 2007.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.0%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 30.7%