Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta is a mouth-watering dish that combines tender shrimp, penne pasta, and a rich, creamy chipotle sauce. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta offers a delightful blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors.
Why This Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta Is the Best
- Smoky Chipotle Flavor: The chipotle sauce provides a smoky and slightly spicy flavor that perfectly complements the shrimp and pasta.
- Creamy Sauce: The creamy sauce coats the pasta and shrimp beautifully, adding a rich and indulgent texture.
- Tender Shrimp: The shrimp are cooked until tender and juicy, offering a succulent seafood element to the dish.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of smoky chipotle, creamy sauce, and tender shrimp makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Penne Pasta: Provides a hearty base that holds the creamy sauce well.
- Large Shrimp: Offers a succulent, savory protein with a subtle sweetness.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color to the dish.
- Scallions: Provide a mild, slightly oniony flavor that complements the heat of the dish.
- Garlic & Jalapeño: Boosts flavor with savory and spicy notes.
- Chipotle Chiles in Adobo: Adds smoky, rich heat that intensifies the dish.
- Tomato Paste: Deepens the flavor profile with its concentrated umami.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, velvety texture that balances the spiciness.
- Parmesan: Adds a savory, nutty finish to the creamy sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp, high-quality pasta, and fresh herbs.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the chipotle sauce and spices – they add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Cook Shrimp Evenly: Ensure the shrimp are cooked evenly to achieve a tender and juicy texture.
- Toss Well: Toss the pasta, shrimp, and sauce together well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into this Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta—each bite filled with tender shrimp, hearty pasta, and a rich, smoky chipotle sauce, all garnished with fresh parsley. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this flavorful dish with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
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Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz. penne pasta
- 1 lb. large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 large red bell pepper seeds and ribs removed, coarsely chopped
- 3 scallions thinly sliced, and more for serving
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño seeded, 1/2 chopped, 1/2 thinly sliced
- 2 chipotle chiles in adobo finely chopped, plus 2 tablespoon sauce
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 1/2 c. heavy cream
- 1/2 c. finely grated Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Be sure to reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook, turning them halfway through, until they’re perfectly cooked, about 4 minutes. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and heat over medium-high. Toss in the bell pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add the scallions, garlic, and chopped jalapeño, cooking for another minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water, followed by the chiles, adobo sauce, and tomato paste. Season with a pinch of salt and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring to combine.
- Gradually stir in the cream, then fold in the shrimp, pasta, and Parmesan.
- Continue cooking over medium-high heat, tossing constantly, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the pasta, about 2 more minutes.
- Plate the pasta and generously top with extra scallions and thinly sliced jalapeño for a burst of freshness. Enjoy.