Pioneer Woman Shrimp Recipes: A Deliciously Easy Weeknight Meal

Pasta and shrimp, a match made in culinary heaven, becomes even more irresistible when bathed in a creamy, wine-infused sauce. This Pioneer Woman inspired shrimp recipe is a delightful dish that’s both comforting and quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests. We’ve taken the essence of Ree Drummond’s approachable and flavorful cooking style to bring you this easy shrimp pasta that will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Shrimp Penne Recipe

Why We Love Pioneer Woman Shrimp Recipes

Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly recipes. Her cooking style emphasizes simple ingredients and straightforward methods, resulting in dishes that are both satisfying and accessible to home cooks of all levels. Pioneer Woman Shrimp Recipes, in particular, often showcase her knack for transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. This shrimp penne recipe embodies that spirit, delivering a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent yet is easy enough to whip up even on your busiest evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Pioneer Woman Shrimp Recipe

To create this delectable Pioneer Woman shrimp penne, gather these simple ingredients:

• ¾ pounds Penne Pasta
• 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 small Onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ cup White Wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)
• 1 can (8 ounces) Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Fresh Parsley, chopped
• Fresh Basil, chopped
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Sautéing Shrimp for Pioneer Woman Shrimp Pasta

Step-by-Step Pioneer Woman Shrimp Penne Recipe

Let’s walk through the easy steps to create this amazing shrimp pasta:

1. Cook the Penne Pasta: Start by cooking your penne pasta according to package directions until it reaches al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp. This is the most labor-intensive part, but it’s crucial for the best flavor and texture.
3. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat about 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for just a couple of minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque but are not overcooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Cooling Cooked Shrimp for Pioneer Woman Penne

4. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Sautéing Onion and Garlic for Shrimp Pasta Sauce

5. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly and the flavors to meld. This step adds depth to the sauce.

Adding White Wine to Shrimp Pasta Sauce

6. Build the Tomato Cream Sauce: Add the can of tomato sauce to the skillet and stir well to combine. Then, pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Adding Tomato Sauce to Shrimp Cream Sauce

Stirring Cream into Tomato Sauce for Shrimp Penne

7. Incorporate Shrimp and Herbs: Gently fold the chopped shrimp into the creamy tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in the fresh parsley and basil. The aroma at this point is simply divine!

Adding Heavy Cream to Pioneer Woman Shrimp Recipe Sauce

Adding Shrimp to Creamy Tomato Sauce

Adding Herbs to Shrimp Pasta Sauce

8. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the shrimp sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Pioneer Woman shrimp penne immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley or basil if desired. This creamy shrimp pasta is best enjoyed hot, as a comforting and satisfying main course.

Finished Pioneer Woman Shrimp Penne Dish

Tips and Variations for Your Shrimp Pasta

• Lighten it Up: While this Pioneer Woman shrimp recipe is undeniably decadent, you can lighten it up slightly by substituting half-and-half or even milk for some of the heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of butter and olive oil.
• Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic and onions.
• Vegetable Boost: Sauté some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach with the onions and garlic for added nutrients and flavor.
• Cheese Please: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano over the finished dish adds a salty, savory note.
• Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to cook with wine, simply use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.

This Pioneer Woman shrimp penne recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and rich, creamy flavor make it a winner for any weeknight meal or special occasion. Enjoy the delightful simplicity and deliciousness of this Pioneer Woman inspired dish!