How do I make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach at home?

To make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach, start by cooking 12 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, sauté peeled and deveined shrimp in olive oil with garlic until pink. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. In a separate pan, prepare a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk and shredded cheese (like Parmesan or mozzarella). Toss cooked pasta, shrimp, spinach, and cheese sauce together and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.

What type of cheese works best in shrimp penne pasta dishes?

Mild, meltable cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Asiago are ideal for shrimp penne pasta. Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor, while mozzarella creates a creamy texture when melted. Combining a sharper cheese like Asiago with a mild cheese balances flavor and creaminess. Avoid overly strong or crumbly cheeses that don’t melt well. Using freshly grated cheese also improves the sauce’s texture and taste.

Can I substitute spinach with other greens in this pasta recipe?

Yes, you can replace spinach with other leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. Kale needs a bit more cooking time to soften, while arugula adds a peppery note and should be stirred in just before serving. Swiss chard offers a slightly earthy flavor and cooks similarly to spinach. Adjust cooking times to ensure the greens soften without becoming too wilted.

Is Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta suitable for quick weeknight dinners?

Absolutely. This dish typically takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a convenient option for busy evenings. The pasta cooks while you sauté shrimp and spinach, and the cheese sauce comes together quickly on the stove. Using pre-cooked shrimp or frozen spinach can help reduce prep time further, making it an easy yet flavorful meal option.

How can I make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta healthier without losing flavor?

To make this pasta healthier, use whole wheat or chickpea penne for added fiber. Swap heavy cream in the cheese sauce for low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk while maintaining a good balance with sharper cheeses like Parmesan for rich flavor. Limit added salt and cook shrimp with minimal oil. Incorporating more spinach or other vegetables also boosts vitamins and nutrients without compromising taste.

Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta Spinach Recipe With Creamy Sauce

Name: Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta Spinach
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; – 1 cup diced yellow or white onion; – 1 teaspoon minced garlic; – 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth; – 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes; – 8 ounces tomato sauce; – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; – ¼ teaspoon salt; – Freshly ground black pepper to taste; – 10 ounces dry uncooked penne pasta; – ⅓ cup half and half or heavy cream; – ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided; – 1 pound raw shrimp (large or extra-large, peeled, deveined, tails removed; thawed if frozen); – 5 ounces fresh baby spinach

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

– 1 cup diced yellow or white onion

– 1 teaspoon minced garlic

– 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

– 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

– 8 ounces tomato sauce

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

– ¼ teaspoon salt

– Freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 10 ounces dry uncooked penne pasta

– ⅓ cup half and half or heavy cream

– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

– 1 pound raw shrimp (large or extra-large, peeled, deveined, tails removed; thawed if frozen)

– 5 ounces fresh baby spinach

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Instructions

1-Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced yellow or white onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes more.

2-Add 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste, and 10 ounces dry uncooked penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until pasta is al dente.

3-Stir in ⅓ cup half and half or heavy cream, half of the ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 pound raw shrimp. Cook over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque and pink.

4-Add 5 ounces fresh baby spinach on top, remove the skillet from heat, and stir until the spinach wilts. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and serve immediately.

Last Step:

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Notes

🦐 Use peeled, deveined, tail-removed shrimp, thawed overnight if frozen for best texture.
🍝 Penne pasta works best, but bowtie or fusilli pasta can be used as alternatives.
🌿 Use the full amount of fresh spinach; it wilts significantly when added to the hot skillet.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 565
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 1744 mg
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 69 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 43 g
Cholesterol: 304 mg