If you’re craving a dinner that’s as comforting as it is impressive, the Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This dish brings together tender, juicy shrimp and vibrant fresh spinach, all coated in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce that clings perfectly to al dente penne pasta. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to make, shining as a perfect weeknight meal or an inviting centerpiece for casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Recipe, it might just become your new favorite dish to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, coming together to create a symphony of taste, texture, and color. From the silky cheese sauce to the bright green spinach and succulent shrimp, these components not only make cooking simple but ensure that the final dish is bursting with flavor.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Choose penne for its tube shape, perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce.
- 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp create a succulent protein star in this dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic flavor base.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Adds vibrant color and a mild, refreshing leafy green taste.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates the luscious roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Works with butter to build that velvety sauce texture.
- 1½ cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and depth without weighing down the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce to the perfect richness and silkiness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts effortlessly, lending stretch and mild cheesiness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to balance the creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing harmony to the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and peppery kick.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle spicy punch if you like a bit of excitement.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds a pop of herbal freshness.
How to Make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water until just al dente—this means the pasta should be tender but with a slight bite. This texture allows the pasta to absorb the sauce flavor perfectly without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to make room for the sauce and shrimp preparation.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning. Then add the shrimp, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. This quick sauté locks in juiciness and creates a lightly caramelized exterior. Remove the shrimp once done and set aside so they stay tender.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour, creating a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens into a velvety consistency. Then, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy.
Step 4: Season and Add Spinach
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and, if you enjoy a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the warm sauce, imparting a lovely green color and a fresh, mild flavor that balances the richness.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Shrimp with Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta, tossing everything together gently. Ensure every piece of pasta is wonderfully coated with the cheese sauce, and the shrimp and spinach are well distributed. Heat through for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry beautifully.
How to Serve Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds more than just a touch of color; it brings a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the whole dish. You might also consider a light dusting of extra Parmesan for a salty finish that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple side salad featuring lemon vinaigrette or a warm, crusty garlic bread. Both options offer texture contrast and help soak up any extra sauce, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with a swirl of olive oil and a few extra spinaches for that restaurant-style look. If you want to get playful, top it with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for pops of crunch and extra flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature first to keep the sauce texture consistent for the next meal.
Freezing
While the shrimp and sauce are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked pasta without shrimp for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and gently reheat, then add freshly cooked shrimp to bring back that succulent taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or cream as you warm it up helps maintain the dish’s creamy texture and keeps everything luscious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get the best texture and flavor.
Is it possible to substitute the cheeses?
Yes, you can swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different but still melty texture, and Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some adjustments, like using dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives, you can enjoy a similar dish, but the creamy texture and flavor will be somewhat different.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Whisk the sauce constantly while adding milk and cream, and melt the cheese slowly off the heat to maintain a smooth consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would all complement the flavors nicely and add variety.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress family and friends. I encourage you to dive in, experiment with the ingredients, and make this creamy, cheesy dish your new go-to comfort food. You won’t regret it!
Print
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and cheesy shrimp penne pasta with spinach is a quick and satisfying dinner packed with flavor, protein, and greens. Tender shrimp and fresh spinach are tossed in a rich cheese sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Pasta and Shrimp
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the roux and sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour until combined to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheeses and seasonings: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Heat through and serve: Heat everything together for 1–2 minutes, then serve hot garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream mixture if desired.
- Use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and squeeze out the excess water.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
