Easy Shrimp Penne Alfredo Recipe (Lactose Friendly Option)

Shrimp Penne Alfredo Recipe (Lactose-Friendly Option)

My Pasta Penne Alfredo Love Story

In early 2025, I discovered I was lactose intolerant. For someone who loves all kinds of food, that was disappointing news.

I had been having tummy issues every time I ate cereal or anything dairy-heavy. After some trial and error, the culprit was obvious.

But did that stop me from enjoying creamy Shrimp Alfredo? Not!

The first time I ever tasted Shrimp Alfredo was back in November 2016, at a cozy Italian restaurant in downtown Chicago, on the night before Thanksgiving.

It was creamy, rich, and unlike anything I had tasted before. And the best part? No tummy trouble then.

Since that unforgettable meal, Alfredo has become a staple in my kitchen.

I prepare a version of a recipe I saw on Facebook (such as shrimp and spinach alfredo penne, chicken and shrimp penne alfredo, and Cajun shrimp alfredo penne pasta) nearly every month. Still, this shrimp version remains a family favorite.

What Makes Shrimp Penne Alfredo Great?

It’s all in the Sauce.
The heart of any Alfredo dish is the sauce. It must be rich, creamy, and made with top-quality ingredients.

One crucial tip: always use freshly grated Parmigiano (or authentic Parmesan) instead of store-bought shredded cheese.

Pre-shredded cheese often results in a grainy sauce, while real Parmigiano melts beautifully and gives the dish its signature flavor.

Ingredients for Shrimp Alfredo Penne

• 1 pack of penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 2 lbs of deveined shrimp
• 1 cup of heavy cream (I used Sealtest Double Cream)
• 200g block of Parmigiano (grate it fresh)
• ½ stick of unsalted butter
• 1 medium red onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (use as much as you like)
• 1 scotch bonnet (optional, chopped)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• Shrimp bouillon (or seasoning of your choice)
• Salt to taste
• 15 cups of water (for boiling pasta)
• A handful of fresh spinach (optional, for garnish)
• Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Shrimp Penne Alfredo

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Dish
Calories per serving: Approx. 93 kcal

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Boil the Pasta
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside, but reserve some of the pasta water for the sauce.
• Prepare the Ingredients
  Finely chop the onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet. Grate the Parmigiano cheese. Set everything aside so you’re ready to move quickly through the next steps.
• Cook the Shrimp
  In a large pan, melt half of the butter. Add shrimp, season with a little salt and black pepper, and sauté for about 3–5 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics
  Add the remaining butter to the same pan. Toss in chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Add the scotch bonnet and continue frying briefly.
• Season the Base
  Add paprika, black pepper, shrimp bouillon, and salt. Mix and allow to cook for another minute.
• Create the Cream Sauce
  Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmigiano, and mix well until the cheese is fully melted. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
• Add the Pasta and Shrimp
  Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce, followed by the shrimp. Mix everything thoroughly. Cover the pan and allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.
• Garnish and Serve
  Add spinach for a pop of green (optional) and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve hot and creamy.

Final Tips

This recipe comes together quickly, especially the sauce. To avoid delays that could overcook your cream or shrimp, prep everything ahead of time.

Have your ingredients chopped, cheese grated, and spices measured before you even turn on the stove.

Keyword Tags

Shrimp Alfredo Penne, Shrimp Alfredo Sauce, Creamy Shrimp Pasta, Easy Alfredo Recipe, Lactose-Free Alfredo, Homemade Shrimp Pasta, Parmesan Pasta Recipe, Quick Alfredo Dinner