Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Introduction
This Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp and fresh spinach blend beautifully with a rich cheese sauce, making every bite deliciously comforting.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), for a kick
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Add the cream cheese and grated Parmesan, whisking until the cheeses melt and create a smooth sauce.
- Step 7: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, coating it evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your creamy shrimp pasta!
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp depending on availability; just thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when adding the cream.
- Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different green.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just cook them according to their package directions.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from breaking?
Cook the sauce over low heat once the cream is added. Avoid boiling, and stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling.
PrintCheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with fresh spinach, combining tender shrimp, rich cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a luscious garlic cream sauce. This easy one-pan dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), for a kick
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir continuously until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheeses fully melt and form a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Mix and Season: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, coating it evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, cheesy shrimp penne pasta with spinach!
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture, but frozen shrimp can also be used if thawed properly.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Cream cheese can be substituted with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp penne, spinach pasta, garlic cream sauce, easy dinner, seafood pasta
