creamy spicy shrimp over whole grain penne

The original recipe for the shrimp is a Giada De Laurentiis original, I couldn't find it online for a link.  I usually serve this over brown rice, but there is usually so much yummy sauce that gets wasted so I served it with penne.  Another thing that I have made with this dish is whole wheat orzo with butter and feta and serve the shrimp over top with sauce.  For this recipe I used Barilla Plus for the extra protein and whole grain.  It is delicious pasta but keep in mind it takes a little longer to cook.

Creamy Spicy Shrimp over Whole Grain Penne

20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (if frozen, defrost)
1 Tbsp olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
juice of one lemon (squeeze into measuring cup)
enough white wine to equal 1/2 C with lemon juice
1 Tbsp hot sauce (more if you like it really spicy)
1/4 C heavy cream
1/4 C grated parmesan cheese
1/2 package of whole wheat penne rigate (I used Barilla Plus)

Cook penne according to package directions (for the Barilla plus and most whole wheat pasta it takes almost 20 minutes).  Heat olive oil over medium heat, saute garlic 1-2 minutes (do not brown).

Squeeze lemon juice into measuring cup and add white wine to equal 1/2 C.  Add to pan and whisk in hot sauce.  Add shrimp and cook 2 minutes on each side or until pink throughout.  Once cooked, add heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stir.  Drain penne and add to sauce.  Serve immediately.

Spicy Shrimp over whole wheat orzo with feta

This was inspired by a Giada DeLaurentis recipe. I usually serve this with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus on the side. Its an excellent dish for two. The sauce is delish and you can do it over whatever pasta or rice you want.


1 C. whole wheat orzo
1 T. unsalted butter
1/2 C. feta cheese

1 T. unsalted butter
1-2 cloves garlic
juice of 1 lemon
2 T. white wine
1 T. hot sauce
14 shrimp, shelled, deveined and tail off
1/4 C. heavy cream

Bring a pot of water to a boil, salt it and add whole wheat orzo. Boil about 14 minutes until done to your liking. Drain. Add butter to pan, add back orzo, add feta and stir until combined. For Shrimp, add butter to skillet, and melt over med. Add garlic and saute 1-2 minutes. Add juice of a lemon, wine, hot sauce, and shrimp. Mix well and saute for about 2 min on each side, until pink throughout. Add heavy cream and combine and heat through. Serve shrimp and spicy sauce over orzo with feta.