Creamy Shrimp Penne Pasta (Print Version)

Penne pasta with tender shrimp in a smooth garlic cream sauce enhanced by Parmesan and seafood seasoning.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 3 cups dry penne pasta

→ Sauce Base

02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed
04 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
05 - 14.5 fluid ounces chicken broth
06 - 5 fluid ounces evaporated milk

→ Seafood and Seasonings

07 - 1 pound cooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
08 - ⅔ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
10 - 1½ teaspoons seafood seasoning (e.g., Old Bay)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside promptly to prevent overcooking.
02 - Melt cubed butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
03 - Sprinkle flour over butter and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux and cook out raw flour taste for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and evaporated milk, stirring continuously to create a smooth mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
04 - Add cooked shrimp, Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, and seafood seasoning to the sauce. Stir gently and heat until shrimp are warmed through and cheese melts, avoiding overcooking.
05 - Transfer drained pasta to a large bowl. Pour the shrimp and sauce mixture over the pasta and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting quality and flavor.
02 - Avoid overcooking pasta and shrimp to maintain firm textures.
03 - The sauce can be loosened with additional broth or milk when reheating.
04 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.