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### **Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach**
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow this simple step-by-step guide to make your delicious Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach.
#### **Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
1. Begin by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
#### **Step 2: Cook the Shrimp**
1. In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough.
2. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
#### **Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce**
1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk it into a smooth paste (this is your roux). Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
4. Once the sauce has thickened, add the Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it with a little reserved pasta water.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a hint of acidity, squeeze in a little lemon juice for extra brightness.
#### **Step 4: Combine Everything**
1. Add the cooked spinach to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the sauce, which should only take 1–2 minutes.
2. Add the cooked shrimp and penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp with the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Continue to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
#### **Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
1. Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach!
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### **Tips and Variations to Make Your Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta Even Better**
While the basic recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, you can always get creative and customize the dish to suit your tastes. Here are some tips and variations to make this recipe your own:
#### **1. Add More Vegetables:**
– If you want to increase the nutritional value of the dish, consider adding more vegetables. Broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers would all be excellent additions.
– For an extra burst of freshness, try adding freshly chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or even oregano.
#### **2. Swap the Shrimp for Other Proteins:**
– While shrimp is the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other proteins. Grilled chicken breast, salmon, or even a vegetarian option like tofu or tempeh could work well in this dish.
#### **3. Use Different Cheeses:**
– If you’re not a fan of mozzarella or Parmesan, you can substitute with other cheeses such as Gouda, Gruyère, or Cheddar. For a more robust flavor, consider adding some blue cheese or goat cheese.
#### **4. Spice It Up:**
– If you like a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also try using spicy sausage or chorizo in place of the shrimp.
#### **5. Lighten It Up:**
– For a lighter version of the dish, consider swapping out the heavy cream for a lighter cream or milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used or use low-fat cheese to make the dish a bit healthier.
#### **6. Make It Gluten-Free:**
– If you’re gluten intolerant, you can easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free penne pasta. Many stores now carry gluten-free pasta options made from rice, corn, or quinoa, which work just as well in this recipe.
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### **Final Thoughts**
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is a delicious, indulgent, and satisfying meal that combines the best of seafood, pasta, and vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or preparing a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With the creamy cheese sauce, succulent shrimp, and fresh spinach, each bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a gourmet meal in less than 30 minutes. And with the ability to customize the dish to fit your dietary preferences, there’s no limit to how you can make this dish your own. Enjoy your Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach—your taste buds will thank you!
