This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Penne with Roasted Tomatoes is the ultimate comfort pasta dish for seafood and cheese lovers. Tender shrimp cooked in rich garlic butter are paired with perfectly roasted cherry tomatoes and tossed in a smooth, creamy cheese sauce that coats every piece of penne pasta. The combination of juicy shrimp, melted mozzarella, savory Parmesan, and sweet blistered tomatoes creates a restaurant-style meal that feels elegant yet incredibly easy to prepare at home.
Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions, this creamy pasta recipe delivers bold flavor and irresistible texture in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Tomatoes
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp
500 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: chili flakes for extra heat
For the Creamy Pasta Sauce
300 g penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
Fresh parsley or basil
Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking tray and drizzle them with olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then toss until evenly coated.
Roast the tomatoes for 15–20 minutes until they become soft, juicy, and slightly blistered. Roasting enhances their sweetness and adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later if needed.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp
Season the shrimp with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if you want a spicy touch.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink, juicy, and lightly golden.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for another 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously over medium heat.
Gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese while stirring until the cheeses fully melt into a rich and creamy sauce.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until thick and silky.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta into the creamy cheese sauce and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated.
If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to create an even creamier texture.
Gently fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes so their juices blend beautifully into the sauce.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Top the creamy pasta with the garlic butter shrimp and garnish generously with fresh parsley or basil. Finish with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top for added richness.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Helpful Tips for the Best Pasta
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother and more flavorful sauce.
Do not overcook the shrimp or they may become rubbery.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and texture.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the entire dish.
Penne can be replaced with fettuccine or rigatoni if preferred.
Cooking Information
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 780–900 kcal per serving
This creamy shrimp penne pasta combines buttery seafood, melted cheese, roasted tomatoes, and rich garlic flavor into one unforgettable comfort meal that is both satisfying and impressive.