Cheese Shrimp Penne Spinach Dish

This hearty Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach has become my weeknight dinner hero when I want something impressive without hours in the kitchen. The creamy cheese sauce envelops perfectly cooked shrimp and pasta, while spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition to create a truly balanced meal.

I first made this recipe when entertaining unexpected guests on a busy Thursday night. The beautiful presentation and rich flavors made everyone think I'd spent hours preparing, when really I had thrown it together with items I already had on hand.

• 12 oz penne pasta: the foundation of our dish that perfectly captures all the creamy sauce
• 1 lb large shrimp: peeled and deveined for that perfect tender bite and elegant presentation
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: use a good quality oil as it forms the flavor base
• 3 cloves garlic: minced finely for maximum flavor distribution
• 3 cups fresh spinach: roughly chopped adds beautiful color and nutrients
• 1 cup heavy cream: creates the luxurious texture we need
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: adds depth without making the sauce too heavy
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: fresh grated works best for smooth melting
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: provides that irresistible stretch
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: optional but adds a pleasant warmth
• Salt and pepper: to taste always season in layers for best flavor
• Fresh parsley: chopped brightens the final presentation

How To Make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach

Cook the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.

Sauté the Shrimp:

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until pink on one side. Flip each shrimp and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully pink and slightly curled. Remove to a plate to prevent overcooking.

Create the Flavor Base:

In the same skillet, add minced garlic to the remaining oil and shrimp juices. Cook for exactly 60 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown. Immediately add spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until completely wilted but still bright green.

Build the Cheese Sauce:

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic and spinach. Bring to a gentle simmer then reduce heat to low. Gradually add Parmesan in small handfuls, stirring continuously to ensure smooth melting. Once incorporated, repeat with mozzarella until sauce is velvety smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Combine Components:

Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, being careful not to break them. Allow everything to heat together for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce seems too thick.

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer to warmed serving plates or a large serving bowl. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for color and a bright flavor contrast. Serve immediately while the cheese is at its most luxurious texture.

You Must Know

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so serve immediately

My absolute favorite part of this dish is the moment the cheeses melt into the cream creating that silky sauce. I remember the first time my picky five year old tried it and declared it the best pasta ever. Now it has become our special Friday night tradition when we want something that feels like restaurant quality at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over low heat, stirring often to recreate the creamy texture. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce during storage, so this extra liquid helps restore the original consistency.

Easy Substitutions

If you are looking for a lighter version, substitute half and half for the heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious. For a different flavor profile, try using Italian sausage instead of shrimp, or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist. Baby kale works wonderfully in place of spinach if you prefer a more robust green.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, savory flavors perfectly.

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Perfecting Your Pasta

The key to this dish is properly cooked pasta. Always cook penne until it is al dente, with a slight firmness in the center when bitten. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when combined with the sauce. Using pasta water to adjust sauce consistency takes advantage of the starch released during cooking, which helps the sauce cling to each piece of pasta and creates a silky finish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I ensure the shrimp stays tender?

Cook the shrimp over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them rubbery.

→ Can I substitute spinach with another vegetable?

Yes, you can use kale, arugula, or even broccoli as an alternative to spinach. Slightly adjust cooking time based on the vegetable.

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne pasta is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can also use fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

A mix of milk and cornstarch or Greek yogurt can be used as substitutes for heavy cream. The texture may vary slightly.

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the cheese sauce for an extra kick of heat.