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**Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach: A Creamy, Flavorful Delight for Every Occasion**
Pasta dishes have been a beloved part of many cuisines around the world, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of tender pasta, savory sauces, and a range of possible fillings and toppings offers endless possibilities for creating delicious meals. One dish that’s particularly satisfying and packed with flavor is the **Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach**.
This dish combines succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked penne pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s comforting yet vibrant, with a wonderful balance of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, hosting friends and family, or just looking for something to spice up your usual pasta routine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of this fantastic dish. We’ll explore the ingredients, the step-by-step process of making the recipe, tips for making it even better, and ideas for pairing it with drinks or side dishes. By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to create this cheesy, creamy, shrimp-filled pasta dish that’s sure to impress.
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### **Why Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach?**
**Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach** is more than just another pasta dish. It’s an all-in-one meal that combines proteins, vegetables, and dairy for a well-rounded, flavorful experience. Here are just a few reasons why this dish stands out:
1. **Savory and satisfying:** The shrimp provide a delicate seafood flavor, while the creamy cheese sauce offers richness and depth, balancing the dish beautifully.
2. **Healthy ingredients:** Fresh spinach adds a healthy boost of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. Combined with the lean protein from shrimp, it’s a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
3. **Versatile and easy to customize:** You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your personal preferences, whether you want more heat from chili flakes or additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless.
4. **Great for any occasion:** This dish can be enjoyed on a casual weeknight or served to guests at a dinner party. Its balanced flavor profile makes it an ideal choice for any setting.
5. **Comfort food with a twist:** While pasta is a classic comfort food, the addition of shrimp and spinach elevates this dish, making it feel special while still maintaining that warm, cozy vibe.
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### **The Ingredients You’ll Need**
Before we get started with the step-by-step instructions, let’s review the ingredients required for making **Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach**. Don’t worry; these are all fairly common ingredients, and you likely have many of them in your kitchen already.
#### **Main Ingredients:**
1. **Penne Pasta:** This particular shape works wonderfully with creamy sauces as the ridges help trap the sauce. You can substitute it with other types of pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti, but penne is traditional and works best.
2. **Shrimp:** Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. If you want to make the dish extra special, go for fresh shrimp. However, frozen shrimp work just as well if thawed properly.
3. **Fresh Spinach:** Spinach provides a burst of green and a slight earthiness to balance the richness of the cheese sauce. You’ll want fresh spinach for this recipe rather than frozen, as fresh spinach wilts nicely in the sauce.
4. **Heavy Cream:** The cream will form the base of the cheese sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the result won’t be as creamy.
5. **Cheese:** The star of the dish, cheese adds flavor, creaminess, and a touch of indulgence. A mix of grated parmesan and mozzarella works perfectly. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor, while mozzarella provides a gooey, melty texture.
6. **Garlic:** Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth to the dish, infusing the sauce with a savory base. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for garlic.
7. **Butter:** Butter is essential for creating the sauce. It helps to sauté the garlic and shrimp, bringing out their flavors while also adding richness to the final dish.
8. **Olive Oil:** Olive oil is used for sautéing the shrimp and spinach. It adds a slightly fruity flavor that complements the richness of the sauce and cheese.
9. **Lemon Zest and Juice:** A little lemon zest and juice give the dish a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese.
10. **Salt and Pepper:** These basic seasonings are essential for bringing all the flavors together. Adjust according to your personal taste.
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### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach**
#### **Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta**
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes for al dente. Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, which you can use to adjust the sauce later if necessary.
#### **Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp**
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly.
Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
#### **Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach**
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and a splash of olive oil if needed. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook it for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down and reduces in size. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Once the spinach is wilted, remove the skillet from the heat.
#### **Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce**
Now, it’s time to make the cheese sauce. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the cream to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from scorching. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese to the cream. Stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted into the cream, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add the lemon zest and juice to the sauce to brighten the flavor.
#### **Step 5: Combine the Shrimp, Spinach, and Pasta**
Add the cooked shrimp and sautéed spinach to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring that the shrimp and spinach are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Next, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, making sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve the desired consistency of the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once everything is combined, serve the cheese shrimp penne pasta with spinach in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with additional grated parmesan, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. You can also serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and flavorful shrimp penne pasta with spinach!
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