The Best Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach Recipe Ever

Creamy and packed with vibrant flavors, this cheese shrimp penne pasta seamlessly blends succulent seafood with tender greens.

Shrimp swim deliciously through al dente penne, creating a delectable Mediterranean-inspired dish.

The spinach adds a pop of fresh color and nutritional punch to every forkful.

Parmesan cheese melts luxuriously, coating each pasta piece with rich, salty goodness.

Fresh herbs and a hint of garlic elevate this simple yet elegant meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll savor every bite of this quick and satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Let’s turn an everyday ingredient list into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Shrimp Penne With Spinach a Winner

• Quickest Comfort Meal: Whip up a deliciously satisfying dinner that's ready faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pot Dish: Enjoy a complete meal with succulent shrimp, creamy cheese sauce, and nutritious spinach all combined in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable recipe that works brilliantly for casual family dinners, date nights, or impromptu gatherings with friends, appealing to seafood and pasta lovers alike.
• Nutrient-Rich Indulgence: Combines protein-packed shrimp, calcium-rich cheese, and iron-loaded spinach, creating a balanced dish that's both delectable and nourishing for health-conscious food enthusiasts.

Everything You’ll Need for Shrimp Penne Pasta

• Shrimp: Sweet seafood that cooks quickly and adds delightful ocean flavor.

• Penne Pasta: Classic Italian pasta with fun tube-like shape.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich and creamy cheeses that melt beautifully.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Smooth and flavorful liquids for creating silky sauce.

• Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Fragrant ingredients that boost overall taste.

• Spinach: Soft leafy green with nutritious properties.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential spices for balanced flavor.

• Olive Oil: Classic Mediterranean cooking oil with subtle taste.

How to Make Cheesy Shrimp Penne With Spinach

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Drop penne into a large pot of salted water.

Cook until perfectly tender with a slight bite, following package directions.

Drain and set the pasta aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the shrimp and cook them quickly, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Watch for that beautiful pink color signaling they’re perfectly cooked.

Scoop out the shrimp and keep them warm.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet, dance the minced garlic around until it releases its fragrant magic, about 1 minute.

Add the spinach and let it wilt gracefully, turning vibrant green and tender in 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir these together and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Parmesan
• Mozzarella

Stir until they melt into a luxurious, smooth sauce.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Step 5: Marry the Ingredients

Return the shrimp to the skillet.

Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets a generous coating of the dreamy cheese sauce.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.

Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming and the sauce is gloriously creamy.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal straight from your kitchen!

Smart Cooking Tips for Shrimp and Pasta

• Cook penne exactly at al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a perfect bite with slight firmness in the center.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming, which maximizes delicious caramelization.
• Simmer cheese sauce gently to prevent separation, stirring continuously and adding cheese gradually for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Quickly wilt spinach to retain vibrant green color and preserve maximum nutrients, cooking just until leaves soften and brighten.
• Remove shrimp immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking, keeping them tender and preventing rubbery texture.

How to Keep Shrimp Penne Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place plastic wrap directly on the pasta surface to prevent moisture loss and maintain sauce consistency.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tasty Pairings for Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta and add a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve crusty, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the creamy pasta.
• Enhance with Side of Roasted Vegetables: Prepare quick roasted asparagus or zucchini with olive oil and herbs to add nutritional value and a slightly charred flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

Ideas to Customize This Shrimp Penne Dish

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Remix: Swap shrimp with roasted cauliflower or white beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain flavor depth.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Keep the creamy cheese sauce and shrimp for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for a similar creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace shrimp with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to create a similar creamy pasta experience without seafood.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or a blend of milk and cream cheese.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap regular penne with gluten-free penne pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients like chicken broth are also gluten-free certified.

Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta With Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheese shrimp penne pasta with spinach brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your dinner table. Seafood lovers will savor rich, tender shrimp nestled among perfectly cooked pasta, creating a luxurious meal that feels like a culinary vacation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) penne pasta
• 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, ensuring a slight resistance when bitten. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
3. Introduce shrimp to the hot pan, allowing each side to transform into a delicate pink hue, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer shrimp to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for about 60 seconds.
5. Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, watching them gracefully wilt and reduce in volume within 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a luxurious base for the sauce. Stir ingredients to harmonize flavors.
7. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, then gradually incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a silky, smooth consistency.
8. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor profile.
9. Reintroduce the cooked shrimp and prepared pasta into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is lovingly coated.
10. Transfer the completed dish to serving plates, adorning with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Perfectly cook shrimp by watching color change and avoiding overcooking, which makes them tough and rubbery.
• Select medium-sized shrimp for balanced texture and easier eating in pasta dish.
• Opt for fresh baby spinach for vibrant color and maximum nutrient retention during quick wilting process.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of cheese for similar creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 656
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 617mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 41g
• Cholesterol: 203mg