Here’s a delicious recipe for Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach, combining creamy cheese sauce, tender shrimp, spinach, and penne pasta.
🥘 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: lemon juice or zest for brightness
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
Boil penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water. - Cook Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet. - Make Sauce:
In the same skillet, add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. - Add Spinach:
Toss in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. - Combine:
Add pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Mix well.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. - Season & Serve:
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Optional: drizzle with lemon juice for brightness. Serve hot.
🍽️ Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and creaminess.
- For a richer sauce, add 1–2 tbsp butter when combining pasta and sauce.
- Can also add cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra texture.
This dish is rich, comforting, and full of protein and greens, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering.
I can also provide a quick 20-minute version that uses frozen shrimp and pre-wilted spinach for faster preparation.
