If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s easy to make at home, this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is the perfect recipe! It’s packed with succulent shrimp, creamy cheese sauce, and tender penne pasta, all infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice. Plus, the addition of fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients, making this dish as wholesome as it is indulgent.
Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, date night, or a special occasion, this one-pan pasta is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Creamy & Cheesy – A rich Parmesan and cream cheese sauce coats every bite.
✔️ Juicy Shrimp – Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared for maximum flavor.
✔️ One-Pan Wonder – Everything comes together in a single pan for easy cleanup.
✔️ Nutritious Spinach – Adds freshness, vitamins, and color to balance the richness.
✔️ Restaurant-Style at Home – This dish tastes like something from an Italian restaurant but is made in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients (in grams)
For the Shrimp & Pasta:
- 200g penne pasta
- 250g shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 2g salt
- 2g black pepper
- 1g paprika
- 10g olive oil
- 10g butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 60g fresh spinach
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 200ml heavy cream
- 60g cream cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 100ml milk
- 2g Italian seasoning
- 1g red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add penne pasta and cook until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
- Drain and set aside, reserving 50ml of pasta water for later.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add them to the pan.
- Cook for 2 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream, milk, and cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Add Spinach & Pasta
- Stir in fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne pasta, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Shrimp & Serve
- Return the shrimp to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 26g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fiber: 3g
Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta
✔️ Use fresh shrimp – It makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
✔️ Don’t overcook the shrimp – They only need 2 minutes per side!
✔️ Adjust sauce consistency – Add pasta water if too thick or more cheese if too thin.
✔️ Enhance the flavor – A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish.
✔️ Spice it up – Add more red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Variations & Add-Ins
???? Mushroom & Shrimp Pasta – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic.
???? Herb Butter Flavor – Use fresh basil or thyme for extra depth.
???? Seafood Mix – Add crab or scallops for a seafood medley.
???? Bacon Lovers’ Version – Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist.
How to Store & Reheat
❄️ Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
???? Reheating: Warm in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
❄️ Freezing: The sauce may separate when frozen, so it’s best eaten fresh!
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for a special dinner. The combination of tender shrimp, cheesy sauce, and fresh spinach makes it a dish everyone will love!
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking! ????????
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