Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta and Spinach Recipe

As a triathlete, I know the importance of fueling my body with nutritious and delicious meals, which is why I include this cheese shrimp penne pasta and spinach dish in my training plan.

This dish is the perfect blend of pasta, shrimp, and spinach, all tossed together in a delicious cheese sauce.

It’s the perfect balance of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the shrimp, and vitamins from the spinach to keep me energized and ready for my next workout.

cheese shrimp penne pasta and spinach recipe

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or fueling up after a long day of training, this cheese shrimp penne pasta recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

So, get ready to fire up your stove and experience the ultimate comfort food dish that will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for the following ingredients:

  • 8 ounces of penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh chopped spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta water and set the penne pasta aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the raw shrimp, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 3

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4

Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 5

Add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir gently until it is melted.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.

Step 7

Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to combine with the spinach and pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the shrimp penne pasta spinach with a garnish of additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

How to serve cheese shrimp penne pasta?

The shrimp penne pasta spinach dish can be served in many ways. Here are a few my favorite:

With a side salad: Serve the pasta with a side of mixed greens and your favorite dressing for a complete and well-rounded meal.

With crusty bread: Serve warm, crusty bread on the side to dip in the cheese sauce and soak up any remaining sauce in the pasta dish. You can also use garlic bread.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the shrimp penne pasta spinach recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you prefer, such as cheddar, gouda, or fontina, in place of the parmesan cheese.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken in place of shrimp for a protein alternative. Simply cook the chicken until it is fully cooked and add it to the penne pasta in place of the shrimp.

Can I freeze cheese shrimp penne pasta?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Simply store it in an airtight container. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Equipment

Skillet to toss and cook the shrimp penne pasta spinach

Large pot to boil the penne pasta