Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach is a delightful and versatile dish that combines the flavors of succulent shrimp, tender penne pasta, and nutrient-rich spinach in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
This satisfying meal can be served as a main course or a side dish, offering a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition.
How to make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach
Ingredients for Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach
8 ounces uncooked pasta
1 pound shrimp, deveined and peeled
2 tbsp Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 ounces sun dried tomatoes, drained and cut
2 cups of baby spinach
1 ½ cup skim milk
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp Basil
½ tsp red chili flakes
Instructions for Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach
Boil the pasta in a pot of salted water until the pasta is al dente.
Put oil into a skillet and add the garlic
Saute until the garlic is fragrant
Add in the shrimp, the sun dried tomatoes, red chili flakes, basil and salt if desired.
Cook until the shrimp are done, but do not overcook
When shrimp is done, set on a plate and put to the side
Add in the flour and the milk to the skillet and whisk well
Season with salt and pepper to taste
Put the spinach into the skillet and cook until the spinach is just barely wilted
Add the shrimp back into the skillet
Drain and rinse the cooked pasta
Add the pasta into the skillet and stir to combine all
Top with chopped parsley and Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 4 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving:
CALORIES: 500 | TOTAL FAT: 14g | SATURATED FAT: 2g | TRANS FAT: 0g | UNSATURATED FAT: 12g | CHOLESTEROL: 145mg | SODIUM: 350mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 63g | FIBER: 4g | SUGAR: 9g | PROTEIN: 32g | VITAMIN A: 60% | VITAMIN C: 30% | CALCIUM: 15% | IRON: 25% |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What type of pasta can I use as an alternative to penne?
You can substitute penne with other types of pasta that have a similar shape and ability to hold the sauce, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
These pasta shapes will work well with the creamy sauce and ingredients in the Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach recipe.
Can I use whole milk or heavy cream instead of skim milk?
Yes, you can use whole milk or heavy cream to make the sauce richer and creamier.
Keep in mind that using whole milk or heavy cream will increase the calorie and fat content of the dish.
If using heavy cream, you may need to adjust the amount to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables.
Some popular additions include bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus.
Be sure to adjust the cooking time for the vegetables to ensure they are cooked properly and maintain their desired texture.
How do I store leftovers and reheat this dish?
To store leftovers, place the Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp in this recipe.
Thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator before cooking, or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge the bag in cold water for a quicker thawing method.
Be sure to drain any excess water before cooking the shrimp to avoid diluting the flavors of the dish.