There’s something magical about sinking your fork into a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Every bite of this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach sings with layers of flavor: the al dente penne soaks up that luxurious, velvety cheese sauce, while tender shrimp dotted throughout bring a lightly sweet, ocean-fresh note that keeps you coming back for more. Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and a hint of earthiness, perfectly balancing the richness of mozzarella and Parmesan. This dish is comfort food elevated—an indulgent yet surprisingly simple recipe you can make on a weeknight without breaking a sweat.
Last Sunday, I whipped up this pasta for an impromptu get-together, and my friends couldn’t believe how effortlessly it came together or how restaurant-worthy it tasted at home. From the first gentle simmer of heavy cream to the moment you stir in wilted spinach, every step feels like you’re crafting a masterpiece. The garlic and red pepper flakes give just enough warmth to keep things interesting, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brings that pop of freshness we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this shrimp penne pasta becomes an instant classic in your recipe rotation.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESE SHRIMP PENNE PASTA & SPINACH
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the silky sauce to the succulent shrimp and vibrant greens.
- Penne pasta
This tube-shaped noodle holds onto every drop of creamy sauce. Its firm bite when cooked al dente provides the perfect contrast to the sauce’s richness.
- Large shrimp
Peeled and deveined, these plump morsels cook quickly and add a sweet, briny character that elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh spinach
Roughly chopped, spinach wilts into the sauce, contributing a pop of green color and a subtle earthy note that balances the cheese.
- Heavy cream
This is the heart of our sauce—its fat content gives you that luxuriously smooth texture you love in every spoonful.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts into ooey-gooey strands, giving that irresistible stretch and mild, milky flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Sharp, nutty, and full of umami, it deepens the sauce’s profile and adds a touch of savory complexity.
- Olive oil
Used for sautéing garlic and shrimp, it brings a fruity base note that ties everything together.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the oil with aromatic warmth, creating a fragrant foundation for the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes
Optional, but a little kick of heat livens up the creaminess and keeps each bite interesting.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled on top, parsley adds brightness and a hint of herbal freshness as a garnish.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESE SHRIMP PENNE PASTA & SPINACH
Let’s walk through the step-by-step magic of transforming these ingredients into a dish that feels indulgent yet remains totally achievable. You’ll go from pot to plate in about 35 minutes, and each step brings you closer to that creamy, dreamy finale.
1. Cook the penne pasta. In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook.
2. Sauté the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until the aroma is fragrant, being careful not to let it brown or turn bitter.
3. Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until each piece is pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
4. Simmer the cream. In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally as it heats up, allowing the cream to thicken slightly, which should take about 3–4 minutes.
5. Melt in the cheeses. Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and cohesive.
6. Wilt the spinach. Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until it’s wilted, about 1–2 minutes. The greens will soften and blend into the sauce, adding vibrant color and a fresh taste.
7. Combine shrimp and pasta. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently combining them with the sauce. Add the cooked penne and toss until every piece is evenly coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
8. Season and finish. Taste the pasta and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
9. Garnish and serve. Dish out the pasta while it’s hot, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a final touch of color and flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESE SHRIMP PENNE PASTA & SPINACH
When it’s time to serve this decadent pasta, presentation and pairing can elevate the meal from delicious to truly memorable. Whether you’re aiming for a casual family dinner or a cozy date-night spread, these ideas will help you showcase your dish in style. From wine pairings to complementary sides, here are four ways to make every bite shine.
- Pair with a crisp white wine. A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the rich cheese sauce and brightens the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Serve wine in tulip-shaped glasses to concentrate aroma and maintain temperature.
- Offer warm garlic bread. The perfect companion to scoop up any leftover sauce, thick slices of sourdough or baguette brushed with garlic butter and toasted until golden add crunchy texture and buttery flavor.
- Add a fresh lemon wedge. A squeeze of bright lemon juice on top introduces a refreshing acidity that cuts through the creaminess, balancing each mouthful. Place wedges around the pasta bowl for a pop of color.
- Serve a mixed green salad. Toss baby greens with a light vinaigrette—think lemon, olive oil, and a hint of Dijon mustard—to provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint. Arrange the salad in individual bowls for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
HOW TO STORE CHEESE SHRIMP PENNE PASTA & SPINACH
Leftovers of this luscious pasta can be just as delightful as the first serving—if you store them properly. Here’s how to keep your dish tasting as close to fresh as possible, from quick fridge tips to make-ahead meal prep advice. Follow these guidelines to preserve texture, flavor, and that signature cheesiness.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer your pasta to a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method maintains creaminess while preventing unwanted moisture loss.
- Freeze for longer storage. If you want to keep it beyond a few days, freeze the pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove excess air, label with the date, and it will stay good for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently. To prevent the sauce from separating, defrosted or refrigerated portions should be warmed slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore smoothness. Stir frequently to heat evenly.
- Portion for meal prep. Divide the cooked pasta into individual meal-prep containers for grab-and-go lunches. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan before sealing and refrigerating to keep it tasting fresh when reheated.
CONCLUSION
There you have it—a complete guide to creating, serving, and storing your very own Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach. We’ve walked through each ingredient’s essential role, shown you step-by-step how to build that luscious, velvety sauce, and offered tips for plating and preserving the flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving some comfort food on a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and visual appeal. Feel free to print out these instructions and stash them in your recipe binder for easy reference or save them digitally on your phone to pull up whenever a cheesy pasta craving hits.
Below, you’ll find an FAQ section to answer any lingering questions—everything from ingredient swaps to troubleshooting sauce consistency—so you can feel confident diving into this recipe. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment with your own tips, any variations you experimented with, or questions you encountered during the cooking process. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more creamy, shrimp-filled dinners in your kitchen!
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort with succulent shrimp and spinach enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, harmoniously coating al dente penne. Each bite offers a balance of richness, subtle garlic warmth, and vibrant greens for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by cooking the penne pasta. In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally, allowing the cream to thicken slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Once the cream has thickened, reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
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Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
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Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and combine everything gently. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
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Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Note
- You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or mushrooms for a different flavor.
- Adding lemon zest or lemon juice can provide a refreshing acidity to balance the richness of the cheese sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, but the texture may change slightly.
- For a more indulgent version, incorporate a blend of different cheeses like gouda or cheddar.
- Pair this pasta with a crisp white wine for a delightful meal experience.
