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Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach recipe has you covered. Creamy, cheesy pasta with tender shrimp and fresh greens makes it a weeknight winner and a total crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pot

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 box penne pasta

Shrimp

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

Greens

  • 3 cups fresh chopped spinach, kale, or arugula Do not use frozen

Cheese

  • 1 cup mozzarella or Swiss cheese

Garlic

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning

  • 2 tsp salt, pepper, and garlic salt (to taste)

Water

  • 8 cups water

Butter and Oil

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil

Instructions

  • Boil pasta according to package directions. In the last 5 minutes, add shrimp. Cook until pink. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Set pasta and shrimp aside, keeping them warm.
  • In a skillet, melt butter and oil over medium heat.
  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat and season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Stir for 2 minutes.
  • Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
  • Add shrimp and sprinkle with cheese. Stir gently until cheese melts.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with dried cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time—just add in the skillet step to heat through. Mozzarella provides a creamy finish, while Swiss offers a nutty depth. Avoid frozen greens for best texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Fat: 21g