Creamy Penne with Zucchini and Frozen Shrimp – Thermomix Version

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Creamy Penne with Zucchini and Frozen Shrimp – Thermomix Version

An irresistible main course ready in minutes with your Thermomix!
Are you short on time and want to prepare a tasty, fresh, and creamy dish without spending hours at the stove? Creamy penne with zucchini and shrimp is perfect: a light but flavorful main course, ideal for any occasion, from family lunch to dinner with friends.
Thanks to the Thermomix, this recipe is prepared in a fast, clean, and stress-free way: the Thermomix chops, sautés, cooks, and mixes everything in one bowl, giving you time to set the table or simply relax.
The zucchini-shrimp combination is perfect for many variations including risottos, while the cream creates the right creaminess for the dish. A simple but impressive dish.

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  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Cost: Inexpensive
  • Preparation time: 5 Minutes
  • Portions: 4 People
  • Cooking methods: Cooking with kitchen robot
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Seasonality: Spring, Summer

Ingredients

Creamy Penne with Zucchini and Frozen Shrimp INGREDIENTS

  • 12 oz penne rigate
  • 2 zucchini
  • 7 oz shrimp (frozen)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 4 tbsp cooking cream
  • salt (to taste)

Tools

Creamy Penne with Zucchini and Frozen Shrimp: TOOLS

  • Kitchen Robot

Steps

Creamy Penne with Zucchini and Frozen Shrimp THERMOMIX VERSION


  • Here is the recipe for Creamy Penne with Zucchini and Frozen Shrimp adapted for the Thermomix, step by step. Compatible with TM5, TM6 and TM31.
    Creamy Penne with Zucchini and Shrimp – Thermomix Version
    Preparation with Thermomix
    1. Chop the zucchini
    Put the chopped zucchini in the bowl:
    5 sec / speed 5
    Gather at the bottom with the spatula.
    2. Sauté
    Add the garlic and EVO oil:
    3 min / 212°F / speed 1
    3. Cook the zucchini
    5 min / 212°F / reverse / soft speed
    Without measuring cup to let some steam escape.
    4. Add the shrimp
    Add the shrimp still slightly frozen and cook:
    5 min / 212°F / reverse / soft speed
    If they release too much water, extend by 2 min at Varoma.
    5. Pour in the cream and season
    Add the cream, a pinch of salt and pepper:
    3 min / 194°F / reverse / soft speed


    Set aside the sauce in a bowl and keep it warm.
    6. Cook the pasta in the Thermomix
    Without washing the bowl, add:
    800 g of water
    ½ teaspoon of salt
    Heat: 8 min / 212°F / speed 1
    Add the penne through the lid hole:
    Time indicated on the package / 212°F / reverse / soft
    Check the cooking and drain with the basket or colander.
    7. Combine pasta and sauce
    Put the pasta back in the bowl (drained) or in a large bowl. Add the sauce and mix with the spatula or:
    30 sec / reverse / soft speed


    Decoration
    Add chopped fresh parsley if you like.
    Serve immediately with a sprinkle of black pepper or, for a special touch, grated lemon zest.

Tips and Variations

Creamy Penne with Zucchini and Frozen Shrimp – Thermomix Version tips and variations

Extra tip
You can replace the cream with spreadable cheese or ricotta for a lighter version. And if you have prawns, you can use them cut into pieces for a richer version.

Tasty variations
With cherry tomatoes: add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a touch of freshness and color.
Without cream: for a lighter version, replace the cream with light spreadable cheese or a ladle of pasta cooking water and a tablespoon of parmesan.
With curry or ginger: if you love ethnic flavors, add a pinch of curry or ginger powder during the sauté for an exotic aroma.
Whole grain or gluten-free pasta: you can easily use other types of pasta based on your dietary needs.
Useful tips
Frozen shrimp: there’s no need to thaw them first. Add directly to the bowl, but extend cooking by 2 minutes.
Crispy zucchini: if you prefer them slightly crunchy, slice them thinly and add after sautéing, reducing cooking time slightly.
Make ahead: you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for one day. When serving, just heat it and combine with cooked pasta.





















FAQ (Questions and Answers)

  • Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

    Yes! If you have fresh shrimp, you can certainly use them. Just sauté them in a pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the preparation, or put them directly in the Thermomix if they’re already peeled and cleaned.

  • What type of cream is recommended?

    You can use classic cooking cream, vegetable cream, or even a light version for a lighter variant.

  • Can I use another pasta shape besides penne?

    Of course! Fusilli, farfalle, rigatoni, or trofie work well with this recipe. Just check the cooking times of the chosen pasta to adapt it in the Thermomix.

  • Is it possible to make the recipe dairy-free?

    Yes, you can replace classic cream with vegetable cream and omit the parmesan, or replace it with a vegan alternative.

  • Can it be prepared in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. At serving time, cook the pasta and combine everything.

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rosanna

Cooking blog Life&Blog: authentic recipes, traditional cuisine, Pasta Maker, Bimby, and practical ideas shared with simplicity and daily passion.

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