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Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in this Creamy Shrimp Pasta recipe, ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties, it’s a flavorful, kid-approved dish with tender shrimp and fresh spinach.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 540

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 and pepper
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne until al dente for 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic, sauté for about a minute, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  9. Return the shrimp to the skillet, add the drained penne, and toss to coat everything with the sauce.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole wheat penne for added fiber. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
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