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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for about 60 seconds.
- Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, watching them gracefully wilt and reduce in volume within 2-3 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a luxurious base for the sauce. Stir ingredients to harmonize flavors.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, then gradually incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a silky, smooth consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor profile.
- Reintroduce the cooked shrimp and prepared pasta into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is lovingly coated.
- 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