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To make Cheesy Shrimp Spinach Penne, you need the following ingredients: - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional) These ingredients work together to create a creamy and delicious dish. The penne pasta holds the sauce well, while the shrimp adds protein and flavor. Fresh spinach gives the dish a nice color and nutrients. The heavy cream and cheeses make it rich and satisfying. Garlic brings in a warm flavor, and red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you like. Don’t forget the fresh basil for a lovely finish! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use about 4 quarts of water for 8 ounces of penne pasta. Bring it to a rapid boil. Add the penne to the water, stirring gently. Cook the penne until it is al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Al dente means the pasta is firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. The garlic should smell fragrant but not brown. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes. You want the cream to thicken slightly. After that, gradually add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce. Finally, add 3 cups of roughly chopped spinach and stir until the spinach wilts. Now, return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the drained penne pasta. Toss all the ingredients together. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce. Heat through for about 1 more minute. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. To serve, use large bowls for a nice presentation. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds color and a pop of flavor to your dish. Enjoy your cheesy shrimp spinach penne warm! Seasoning is key in this dish. Start with salt and pepper to bring out the taste. You can add red pepper flakes for a little heat. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the dish. It adds a nice balance between the creaminess and the acidity. Cook the shrimp just right. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Cook them until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. For a creamy sauce, stir the heavy cream over low heat. This helps it thicken without burning. Add cheese slowly, mixing well to keep it smooth. Cook the penne pasta ahead of time. This saves you time when you’re ready to eat. You can store the cooked pasta in the fridge. To save the whole dish, let it cool down first. Use airtight containers for storage. This dish can last for up to three days in the fridge. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in Cheesy Shrimp Spinach Penne. Chicken works well. Just cook it until golden. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. Cut it into cubes and sauté until browned. Feel free to explore different types of pasta too. While penne is great, you can use fusilli or farfalle. These shapes hold sauce well and add fun to your dish. If you want a dairy-free version, try plant-based cream. Coconut cream adds richness. Cashew cream offers a nice texture. Both give your dish a creamy feel without dairy. For cheese, look for vegan options. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. Some brands offer vegan mozzarella that melts nicely. These swaps keep the dish tasty and friendly for everyone. Boost the nutrition by adding more greens. Kale or Swiss chard works nicely. Chop them up and add them in with the spinach. Seasonal veggies are great to include too. Try cherry tomatoes in summer or butternut squash in fall. They add flavor and color, making your dish even more appealing. To store leftovers of Cheesy Shrimp Spinach Penne, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature before sealing. This prevents moisture buildup, which can spoil the dish. Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Shrimp Spinach Penne! First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream if it looks dry. In the fridge, this dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or has a strange color, it's time to toss it. Keeping it in proper storage helps maintain its taste and texture. This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. You need around 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. The cooking time is about 20 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for busy nights! Yes, you can replace shrimp with several other proteins. Chicken works great if you prefer it. Tofu is a good choice for a plant-based option. You can also use scallops or even cooked sausage for a different flavor. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can cook the pasta and shrimp ahead of time. Store them separately from the sauce to keep things fresh. Use airtight containers and refrigerate. The dish stays tasty for about 3-4 days. You can serve this dish with a simple side salad. A garlic bread would also pair well. Try some steamed vegetables for a healthy touch. A glass of white wine can elevate your meal too! This blog post covered a tasty Cheesy Shrimp Spinach Penne recipe. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips. Don’t forget about the variations to customize your dish. Proper storage tips ensure your leftovers remain fresh. Meal prepping can ease busy weeks while still offering delicious meals. Keep experimenting with flavors and ingredients to make this dish your own. With these guidelines, you can impress everyone with your cooking skills! Enjoy the process and satisfy your taste buds.

Cheesy Shrimp Spinach Penne

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Shrimp Spinach Penne recipe! Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy pasta dish combines succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses that everyone will love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Dive into this delightful recipe and elevate your cooking game! Click through for the full recipe and make your next meal unforgettable.
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces penne pasta

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the cream begins to thicken slightly.

        Add Cheese: Gradually add both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the cream, stirring until melted and creamy. Once combined, add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted.

          Combine: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce, and heat through for an additional minute.

            Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat. Serve the cheesy shrimp spinach penne warm.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in large bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a fresh and appealing look.