Hello, dear food enthusiasts Today, I bring to your table a culinary creation that’s an exciting medley of flavors, textures, and a sheer burst of goodness in every bite. It’s none other than our Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta coupled with fresh, leafy spinach. Imagine biting into succulent shrimps, creamy cheese melting in your mouth, the slight al dente crunch of penne, and the wholesome touch of spinach. Heavenly, isn’t it?
When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was searching for a dish that was both hearty and wholesome, something that speaks of comfort yet screams of luxury. And what’s better than shrimp and cheese, enhanced with the gentle embrace of pasta? It’s a meal that instantly uplifts your mood and takes you on a delightful culinary journey. So, why should you dive fork-first into this cheesy extravaganza? Let me give you some reasons:
Why combine shrimp with pasta?
Shrimp brings a sweet, oceanic depth to the dish, while pasta, especially penne with its tube-like structure, holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring you get flavor in every mouthful.
Can I use any other pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne is fantastic for holding sauces, feel free to experiment with fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. However, the magic truly unfolds with penne.
Why is spinach a great addition?
Besides its vibrant color that adds visual appeal, spinach provides a slight bitterness that counterbalances the creaminess, giving the dish a balanced flavor profile.
How important is it to use fresh shrimp?
Fresh shrimp ensures the sweetness and juiciness remain intact. Frozen ones can be used too, but make sure they’re properly thawed and drained to avoid a watery sauce.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
I personally love the richness of cheddar or mozzarella. However, feel free to use your favorite melting cheese.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups of penne pasta
- 1 cup of fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by boiling a large pot of water with a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add in the penne pasta and cook until al dente. This firmness ensures the pasta doesn’t become mushy later. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Introduce the fresh shrimp to this aromatic base and cook until they turn a beautiful pink, which indicates they’re perfectly done.
- To the shrimp, incorporate the chopped spinach. It will wilt quickly, enveloping the shrimp in its leafy embrace, adding color, taste, and nutrition.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, and once it starts to simmer, sprinkle in the shredded cheese. This creamy, cheesy sauce binds everything together in delightful harmony.
- Finally, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything well so the pasta gets coated generously with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper as per your preference. Serve hot and enjoy every luscious bite!
Cooking tips:
- Always ensure the water for boiling pasta is well-salted. It’s your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Fresh shrimp is ideal, but if using frozen, ensure they’re thawed and pat dry to avoid water release.
- The type of cheese you use can change the dish’s overall taste, so pick one you love.
- If you desire some heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes.
- For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle some cheese on top before serving.
- Enjoy this dish with a glass of white wine for an enhanced flavor profile.
