Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Savory: The cheesy sauce is rich and satisfying without being overly heavy.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for a busy day.
- Nutritious & Flavorful: Packed with protein, veggies, and bold flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Storage
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach is a perfect blend of rich, cheesy sauce and fresh ingredients. The combination of shrimp, spinach, and the creamy, cheesy sauce makes it an irresistible dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights or special gatherings!
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach is a creamy, indulgent dish featuring succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 oz (340g) penne pasta
Shrimp & Vegetables:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Cheese Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Seasoning:
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Garlic and Spinach:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Variations:
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta for a gluten-free option.
Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Storage:
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
