This Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is a creamy, delicious dish packed with flavors of garlic, cheese, and tender shrimp. Perfect for a comforting dinner!
📋 Ingredients:
- 🍤 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🌾 8 ounces penne pasta
- 🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 4 cups fresh spinach
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
📝 Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Spinach:
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
- Add the cooked penne pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Lemon Juice:
- Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
⏲ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏲ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
🍲 Total Time: 30 minutes
👥 Servings: 4
🔥 Calories: 450 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Feel free to use other types of pasta, like fettuccine or rigatoni, if you prefer.
Enjoy your creamy and delicious Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach! 🍤🧀🌿