Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta and Spinach Recipe

A delicious and creamy dish, Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach combines tender shrimp, fresh spinach, rich cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a luxurious creamy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food that can be made for a quick weeknight dinner or as a special meal to impress guests.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

A. Cooking the Shrimp

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • If you are using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them first. You can place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes or leave them overnight in the fridge.
   • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear well.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Once the butter is melted, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
   • Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
   • Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

B. Preparing the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) or until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water (this can help thin the sauce later if needed).
   • Set the cooked pasta aside.

C. Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In the same skillet you used for the shrimp, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
   • Once the butter melts, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Create the Creamy Base:
   • Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to reduce slightly.
   • Season with dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. For an extra flavor kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Add the Cheese:
   • Slowly stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
   • If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

D. Combining Everything

1. Add the Spinach:
   • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts and softens in the sauce.
2. Toss the Shrimp and Pasta:
   • Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
3. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

• Cooking Shrimp Perfectly: Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Once they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat immediately to keep them tender.
• Choosing the Right Pasta: While penne is a classic choice, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
• Enhancing the Sauce: For a more decadent sauce, you can add a splash of white wine to the cream and broth mixture and let it simmer for a minute before adding the cheese.
• Avoiding Grainy Cheese: To prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy, make sure the heat isn’t too high when you add the cheese. Stir constantly and keep the heat on low while incorporating the cheese.

Variation Ideas

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the shrimp and replace them with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also add more spinach or other leafy greens like kale.
• Spicy Version: Add fresh or dried chili peppers, or swap out the regular mozzarella for a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
• Lighter Version: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and use less butter and cheese. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
• Herb Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for additional flavor.

Healthier Substitutions

• Reduced-Fat Dairy: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, skim milk, or a lower-fat version of mozzarella and Parmesan to cut down on calories.
• Plant-Based Option: You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based options such as almond milk, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free mozzarella to make this dish vegan-friendly.
• Lower-Carb: For a lower-carb option, replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or other vegetable-based pasta alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy, cheesy pasta pairs beautifully with:

• A simple side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus for a flavorful and nutritious addition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little bit of extra cream or broth if necessary.

Can I freeze this pasta? Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What can I substitute for shrimp? If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can use chicken breast, turkey sausage, or tofu as protein alternatives.

Conclusion

Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together shrimp, creamy cheese sauce, and fresh spinach for a delightful meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you’ll have a rich, satisfying meal in no time.

Yield: 4

Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta and Spinach Recipe

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A delicious and creamy dish, Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach combines tender shrimp, fresh spinach, rich cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a luxurious creamy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food that can be made for a quick weeknight dinner or as a special meal to impress guests.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne Pasta:
   Boil the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
   
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
   
3. Sauté Garlic and Spinach:
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
   
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream, stirring occasionally. Once the cream is warmed, add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Asiago (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
   
5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, along with the cooked shrimp. Stir to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
   
6. Season and Serve:
   Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired). Garnish with fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor.

Notes

• You can use frozen shrimp—just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
• To make this dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• For an extra kick, add some lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for more variety!