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Cheesy Shrimp Penne

Cheesy Shrimp Penne

Indulge in this creamy Cheesy Shrimp Penne recipe packed with tender shrimp and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Try it today!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 340 g penne pasta
  • 450 g medium to large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook the penne pasta until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and set it aside, saving a small cup of pasta water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add shrimp, and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine, and let it simmer.
  8. Gradually add grated Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  9. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  10. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together until well-coated.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This dish is perfect for date nights or family dinners, and it pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or garlic bread.
For variations, you can substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms, and heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
To avoid soggy pasta, store the sauce and pasta separately if preparing ahead of time.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!