Cheese 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
Scale
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
