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Creamy Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach

A creamy, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly cooked penne pasta with succulent shrimp and vibrant spinach in a luscious sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh shrimp is preferred for the best flavor.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach Use fresh spinach for optimal taste.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Adds color and sweetness.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute half with low-sodium chicken broth.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping) Adds extra flavor if desired.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the rest.
Sautéing Shrimp
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked penne back into the skillet along with the shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Serving
  1. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, dreamy masterpiece!

Notes

For a side, serve with a fresh salad topped with light vinaigrette or garlic bread. Pair with white for an indulgent meal.