Creamy Chipotle Pasta with Shrimp, Quick Weeknight Meal
Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta blends smoky, spicy chipotle peppers with tender shrimp, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. The combination of bell peppers, garlic, and jalapeño adds layers of flavor, while the Parmesan elevates the dish with a savory touch. Perfect for a bold and comforting meal!
Servings 4
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.