Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. Tender shrimp are sautéed to perfection, paired with al dente penne pasta, and bathed in a velvety cheese sauce that wraps every bite in comfort. The addition of spinach not only adds a beautiful pop of green but also balances the richness of the dish with a subtle earthiness.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers a restaurant-worthy experience at home. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors—creamy, savory, and just the right touch of spice from fresh black pepper.

Ingredients for Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Zest of half a lemon (optional for brightness)

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and slightly golden on the edges. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Then stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Pasta

Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Return the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Combine with Shrimp and Finish

Add the sautéed shrimp back into the pan and gently fold them into the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like heat. For a fresh touch, add a bit of lemon zest before serving.

Storage Instructions

To store any leftovers of your Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce and cooked shrimp, which can become rubbery when thawed and reheated.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Cholesterol: 190 mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp work best. You can use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp.

Can I substitute the penne with another pasta?

Yes! Rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work well with this creamy cheese sauce.

How can I make this dish spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sauté the shrimp with a touch of cayenne pepper.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but only heat them briefly at the end to avoid overcooking and making them rubbery.

What’s a good cheese substitute for mozzarella?

Fontina, gouda, or a mild cheddar are great alternatives if you want a different cheesy flavor.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers make delicious additions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check all packaged ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

Use reserved pasta water or a bit of milk to thin it out during reheating or before serving.