Ever notice how creamy pasta smells like an instant hug? That’s how this cheese shrimp penne pasta & spinach hits you—from the first buttery forkful. It’s the cozy dish trending all over TikTok and Pinterest right now. Easy, rich, weeknight-ready.
It’s a creamy cheese shrimp penne pasta dish that warms the soul. Just shrimp, spinach, a good handful of cheesy goodness. Pantry faves like dried penne and garlic? You’re set. Like mom’s Alfredo, but dressed up. Full details in the blog!
This started in a sunlit kitchen with my mom, chopping spinach while shrimp sizzled. Now? My girls stir the sauce. I keep it simple—no fancy pans, just flavor and heart. And yep, I tested a twist: one tiny step makes it extra velvety. You’ll see!
Why You’ll Love Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach
Picture this: a creamy bowl of cheese shrimp penne pasta & spinach steaming on your dinner table. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and finesse—rich and cheesy, with tender shrimp and fresh spinach nestled into every bite.✨ Whether you’re rushing through a busy weeknight or planning a cozy evening in, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and feels like it came straight out of your favorite bistro.
Bonus: It’s a one-pot wonder (we love fewer dishes!) and packed with pantry and fridge staples. Who doesn’t love a meal that’s practical *and* swoon-worthy?
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe keeps things simple while delivering big on flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Penne Pasta: 8 oz of hearty penne, perfect for soaking up that dreamy sauce.
- Shrimp: 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp—plump and juicy, the star of the dish.
- Fresh Spinach: 2 cups packed. Just a quick toss into the pan and it wilts into perfection.
- Cheese Trio: Cream cheese (4 oz for that ultra-creamy texture) + Parmesan (½ cup, savory goodness that ties it all together).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, the creamy base that’s pure magic.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced—because what’s pasta without garlic?
- Olive Oil & Butter: For golden shrimp and silky sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a playful kick!).
Note: Keeping ingredients minimal makes this dish shine—don’t skip that Parmesan! 🧀
Step-by-Step Cooking Made Easy
Step 1: Boil your penne in salted water as per package instructions. While the water works its magic, get everything else ready—multitasking like a pro!
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, toss in your shrimp, and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Cook for just 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Pro Tip: Don’t overcook your shrimp—they’ll finish up in the sauce later!
Step 3: Lower the heat and add garlic to the skillet, letting it perfume the oil for 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Fold in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a velvety sauce. Add spinach and cooked pasta, letting everything come together in savory harmony.
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting
- Shrimp: To keep them juicy, cook until just pink—no longer! If they’re curling into tight little rings, they’re overdone. 😅
- Cheese Sauce: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. Too thin? A little extra cream cheese or Parmesan will fix it right up!
- Customization: Add red pepper flakes for heat or swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Pro Tip: Make sure to stir constantly when adding the cheese to avoid clumps. A smooth cheese sauce = pure joy. 🧄✨
Timing & Multitasking Made Simple
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Boil Pasta | 8–10 minutes |
| Sauté Shrimp | 4–5 minutes |
| Cheese Sauce & Toss | 7–10 minutes |
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Serve your cheese shrimp penne pasta & spinach with a warm slice of crusty bread (to swipe up every last drop of sauce) or a crisp, simple salad on the side. It’s versatile enough for a casual dinner or a date-night meal with candles and wine. 🍷
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tip: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to bring the sauce back to life—no dry pasta here!
- Freezing: This dish is best fresh, but leftovers can freeze for a quick future meal. Just note that the sauce texture may slightly change after thawing.
Pro Tip: If you love experimenting, toss in extras like sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms before storing!
🧠 Expert Insight: Balancing Flavor and Nutrition in Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach combines rich protein from shrimp with nutrient-packed spinach, creating a well-rounded dish. The creamy cheese enhances flavor while providing calcium, and choosing whole-grain penne can boost fiber content, making this meal both satisfying and nourishing.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
A Quick Family Favorite
Whipping up this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach always reminds me of cozy weeknight dinners when my kids couldn’t get enough of the creamy cheese sauce. It’s become our go-to comfort meal, blending fresh shrimp with spinach for a perfect, satisfying dish everyone loves. Simple, warm, and totally comforting!
FAQs ( Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach )
How do I cook Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach perfectly?
To cook Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach perfectly, start by sautéing the shrimp until just pink. Cook your penne al dente, then combine with the shrimp, fresh spinach, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to keep the spinach vibrant and the cheese creamy—deliciously cheesy every time! 🧀
Can I use frozen spinach in Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well and can save prep time. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to your Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach to avoid extra moisture—and sogginess. This keeps the dish rich and creamy as intended! ❄️
What cheese works best for Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach?
For a creamy, luscious Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach, cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend with cheddar are perfect. They melt beautifully and add savory depth, making your dish irresistibly cheesy and comforting. Try mixing a couple for that extra oomph! 🧀
How can I make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach healthier?
Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea penne to boost fiber and protein in your Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach. You can also reduce cheese quantities slightly and ramp up the spinach for extra vitamins. It’s a tasty way to enjoy comfort food with a wholesome twist! 🌿
Can I prepare Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach in advance! Keep the pasta and sauce separate until reheating to avoid mushiness. When ready, warm gently on the stove to maintain that creamy cheese and tender shrimp magic. Perfect for busy weeknights! ⏰
Wrapping Up Your Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach Adventure
You’ll love how this cheese shrimp penne pasta & spinach comes together—creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of cozy, fuss-free dinner that feels homemade but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a little treat without the stress.
Feel free to swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten it up, or sneak in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of cream to keep that silky texture intact. A tip I picked up? Always stir that cheese sauce gently to keep it velvety smooth—makes all the difference!
Have you tried this creamy delight yet? Snap a pic or share your favorite add-ins—I’m all ears! Whether it reminds you of family dinners or sparks new kitchen memories, pass it on to someone who’d love a little comfort in their bowl. Cooking is love made edible, after all. 💕
Print
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
A deliciously creamy and easy-to-make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with fresh spinach, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that combines seafood and greens in a rich sauce.
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta 8 oz cooked according to package instructions
- Shrimp 1 lb peeled and deveined
- Fresh Spinach 2 cups packed
- Heavy Cream 1 cup
- Cream Cheese 4 oz
- Grated Parmesan Cheese ½ cup
- Olive Oil 2 tbsp
- Garlic 3 cloves minced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes optional for a kick
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
- Fold in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add cooked penne pasta, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking shrimp or garnish with fresh basil before serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: cheese-shrimp-penne-spinach
