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Here’s a detailed, step-by-step article for making Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach. I’ve made it unique, clear, and practical for home cooking.

Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach: A Creamy, Flavorful Delight

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of fresh flavors, Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach is the perfect choice. Combining succulent shrimp, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a luscious cheesy sauce, this recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. Let’s dive into the step-by-step method to create this crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

For the Pasta and Shrimp:

12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Spinach:

4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 teaspoon olive oil

Optional Garnish:

Chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later in case the sauce needs thinning.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they’ll continue to cook slightly in the sauce.