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If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes with a twist, then this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. Combining succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a cheesy sauce, this dish elevates the classic Alfredo to a whole new level. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to impress and delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a delightful upgrade from traditional Alfredo pasta. The addition of shrimp and fresh spinach not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional value. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adjusted to suit your taste, whether you prefer it spicy or mild. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend dinners.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for cooking the shrimp and pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 tin of Penne Pasta
- 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 cups chopped fresh spinach, kale, or arugula (do not use frozen products)
- 1 cup Mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 3 cloves of garlic (chopped)
- 2 tsp. salt, pepper, and garlic salt
- 8 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp to the pasta water. Cook until they are no longer pink. Drain all the water except 1 cup for the next step. Keep the pasta and shrimp warm.
- In a skillet, add oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the pasta to the pan. Mix to coat the pasta evenly and season to taste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until it wilts. If needed, add â…“ cup of reserved pasta water to steam the spinach.
- Stir gently until the cheese melts, ensuring not to overcook. Add additional seasonings to taste and garnish with dried cilantro if desired.
Tips for Success
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon.
- Be cautious with salt, as many Alfredo sauces are already quite salty.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
Additional Tips or Variations
- Try using different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or medium shells, for a change in texture.
- Consider adding roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This dish is rich in protein from the shrimp and contains essential vitamins from the spinach. The cheese adds calcium and a creamy texture to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen spinach? It’s best to use fresh spinach to avoid a watery texture in the sauce.
What can I use instead of shrimp? You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein source.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach as much as we do! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your culinary experiences and any creative twists you make with us. Bon appĂ©tit!
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Just curious, when you get the shrimp, do you get the raw shrimp or the pre-cooked shrimp? In the recipe, it says to cook the shrimp until no longer pink. I wonder if that is a typo? Pink shrimp is cooked shrimp
The recipe calls for raw shrimp
First It says in the first paragraph in the last five minutes add shrimp to cook out the pasta in the water certain boiled
It doesn’t say when you add garlic or cheese? Please respond.
Chefintgemaking I think the shrimp is raw.
Sheila Fischer I would put the garlic in with the oil and butter.
How many ounces is a Tin of Penne Pasta?
Why isn’t anyone’s question answered?
What is a Tin of pasta
I made this today and we were very pleased with results, I didn’t know what a tin was and next time would make less than a 1/2 box , and more seasonings. I definitely will do it again!!
What is Tin of Penne pasta???
The sauce I would use would be pesto! Just saying
You said you could cut down on the cayenne pepper. The recipe does not even mention cayenne pepper.
Portobello’s? This is the most confusing recipe that I have ever seen!! Stir until the cheese melts. When did the cheese go in. Weird.
As the pasta is cooking, this is when I start the oil, butter and the garlic, i say about 3 to 4 mins on medium heat as not to burn the garlic or butter. At this point i have added the shrimp to the pasta, i save the cup of water. I than add in the shrimp to the pan of oil, butter mixture, mix, than add the pasta, again mix well. I than add in the spinach mix everything in the pan evenly and the spices to taste. I do add 1/4 tsp. Of cayenne
At this point you may need to add water to your spinach, use the water that was saved, once spinach is wilted i than slowly add in the cheese and mix it through out the mixture in the pan. I serve this with garlic knots or bread (what ever you and your family likes).
I never seen in the cooking instructions when to cook the chopped garlic?
I never seen in the cooking instructions of when to cook the chopped garlic?
I think I’m going to make this like Shrimp Scampi and cooked fresh spinach, and hot pasta separately, then and mix all together with cheese and let it melt throughout.
Me personally. I will cook the pasta until it is completely cooked and set aside. Sauté the Shrimp and garlic together until the Shrimp are cooked completely with a little oil. Add the spinach to the Shrimp, add pasta, onions, peppers 🫑 onions 🧅 green and add cheese and seasoning to taste..
On the Facebook page itself it calls for 1 cup cream. Nothing about that here. These instructions are really bad.
Very confusing recipe. Must use your own cooki g skills
This is the worst put together entry for a recipe I’ve ever seen! The first few comments mention things like cayenne, portobellos, and Alfredo sauce. There is No mention of cayenne, portobellos, or cream (to make the Alfredo sauce) anywhere in either the ingredient list Nor the “itinerary” (which should read: directions, or, to make). In my opinion, cayenne should be added in the butter and oil mixture as should the garlic (it doesn’t say in the directions when to add the garlic either!). Then I’d slowly add some cream (not sure how much I’d add until I make the recipe though). I’d stir it all until we’ll blended. Then I’d add the portobellos, then the pasta, then the shrimp and finally the spinach. And, like the recipe, I’d add some water (some of the one cup that you kept from the pasta and shrimp) enough to help wilt the spinach dip if it wasn’t wilting without it. Then add the cheese and, of course, stir. That’s my thoughts on this horribly written recipe.
I don’t know how something so easy to make can seem do hard by reading this upsidedown receive I have already changed it to my liking of easier.too confusing this recipie!!