Description
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistibly creamy Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach. This dish is the perfect balance of elegance and ease, ideal for those looking for quick dinner ideas or a hearty meal that feels gourmet without the hassle. Juicy shrimp are nestled into velvety cheese sauce-coated penne, with vibrant spinach adding freshness and color. Whether you’re after a cozy easy dinner, new food ideas, or a satisfying quick meal, this cheesy pasta recipe checks all the boxes. Rich, savory, and bursting with flavor, it’s one of those easy recipes you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
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 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side until pink. Set aside.
- Lower heat to medium, melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return pasta to skillet, toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Fold shrimp back in, season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Serve hot.