Description
Creamy Shrimp jalapeño & Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with tender shrimp, penne pasta, and a smooth cream sauce infused with garlic, jalapeño, and smoky chipotle flavor. This recipe balances gentle heat with savory depth, creating a satisfying pasta that feels both indulgent and fresh. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it delivers restaurant style flavor using approachable ingredients and straightforward techniques.
Ingredients
Penne pasta
Large shrimp peeled and deveined
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Red bell pepper chopped
Scallions thinly sliced
Garlic finely chopped
Fresh jalapeño seeded and chopped
La Costeña Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce finely chopped
Tomato paste
Heavy cream
Finely grated Cabot Parmesan Cheese or Tillamook Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente then reserve pasta water and drain
2. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the shrimp until just opaque then remove and set aside
4. Add more olive oil to the skillet and sauté the red bell pepper until slightly softened
5. Stir in scallions garlic and chopped jalapeño and cook until fragrant
6. Add chopped chipotle peppers with their sauce and stir well
7. Mix in tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen flavor
8. Pour in reserved pasta water and stir until combined
9. Slowly add heavy cream and simmer gently until smooth
10. Return shrimp and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly
11. Add grated Parmesan and continue tossing until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta
12. Adjust seasoning if needed and remove from heat
13. Serve warm topped with extra scallions and sliced jalapeño
Notes
Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor
Do not overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery
Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and chipotle
Grate the cheese finely so it melts smoothly into the sauce
Add pasta water gradually to achieve a silky consistency
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American