Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach

Dive into an Irresistible Creamy Dream

Picture this: succulent shrimp dancing with fresh spinach and cheesy penne in a creamy embrace. If your taste buds aren’t tingling just yet, they will be once you whip up this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach dish! It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressively delicious, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser. You might even be tempted to share it on social media—at least until you take the first bite! 😋

Why Make This Recipe

Why do you need this in your life? Here are a few reasons:

1. One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing dishes. Win-win!
2. Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those hectic nights when dinner sneaks up on you.
3. Family-approved: Even the pickiest eaters will love this cheesy twist—just don’t tell them there’s spinach! 😉

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or parmesan)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

It’s time to get cooking! Here’s how to make this cheesy delight:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook until they turn pink.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix well.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Let it melt before serving.

How to Make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach (Overview)

This process is as easy as a Sunday morning! Here’s the breakdown:

1. Cook the pasta: You want it just al dente.
2. Sauté the garlic: Don’t skip this step; it adds a lovely aroma to your kitchen!
3. Cook the shrimp: Toss in those seasonings like you mean it!
4. Add spinach: Watch it wilt—it’s a beautiful sight.
5. Mix it all together: Toss that gorgeous shrimp and spinach with the pasta.
6. Melt the cheese: Let it gooey up for that creamy finish.

Pro tip: Adding a splash of pasta water to the skillet before cheese can create an even creamier texture! 😉

How to Serve Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach

Time to impress! Serve this pasta dish in a colorful bowl topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and red pepper flakes for that kick. Pair it with a side salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to brighten up the plate. The contrast of colors makes it visually appealing, and who doesn’t want a dish that smells as amazing as it looks?

How to Store Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach

Got leftovers? No problem! This pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, just toss it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach

Want to up your game? Here are some insider tricks:

1. Timing is key: Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and tender.
2. Swap the cheese: Go wild with different cheeses like gouda or feta for unique flavors!
3. Texture fix: If your pasta ends up too sticky, a drizzle of olive oil can loosen it right up.
4. Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes if you like more heat.

Variation

Looking for something different?

• Make it veggie: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or grilled veggies for a delicious vegetarian twist.
• Creamy sauce lover: Stir in some heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for an extra layer of creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly first for the best texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free alternative.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the individual components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach

A quick and easy one-pan pasta dish featuring shrimp, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Shrimp

• 8 oz penne pasta Cook according to package instructions
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp can be used

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 2 cups fresh spinach Will wilt down significantly when cooked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
• 2 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
• to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
• optional red pepper flakes For added heat

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or parmesan) Add on top before serving for melting

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sautéing

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook until they turn pink.

Combining Ingredients

1. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
2. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix well.
3. Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Let it melt before serving.

Notes

Pro tip: Adding a splash of pasta water to the skillet before cheese can create an even creamier texture. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.