Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach – Creamy, Flavorful, and Quick.

There are nights when you want dinner to feel comforting, rich, and homemade — but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes. Juicy shrimp, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in a single skillet for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple.

I came up with this dish on a weeknight when the fridge was stocked with shrimp and fresh spinach, but I was craving something creamy and cheesy — without turning on multiple burners or pulling out every pot I own. By the time the pasta was al dente, the shrimp perfectly cooked, and the spinach just wilted into the sauce, I had a dinner that felt luxurious but came together in under 30 minutes.

This pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s versatile, quick, and indulgent in the best way — creamy and cheesy, but balanced by the fresh spinach and shrimp.

Ingredients

Pasta & Shrimp

12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Veggies & Garnish

3 cups fresh baby spinach
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Extra Parmesan, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens slightly.

Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, and additional salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Spinach

Add the cooked penne to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt gently into the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and fold everything together until heated through.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer pasta to plates or a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Flavor & Texture Notes

This Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach has a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every piece of penne. The shrimp are tender and slightly sweet, balancing the richness of the cheese sauce. Fresh spinach adds a subtle earthiness and bright green color that keeps the dish from feeling heavy.

The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan gives the sauce a smooth creaminess with a slightly nutty, savory finish. Red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can omit them for a mild, family-friendly version.

Tips & Variations

Shrimp Substitutions: You can use scallops, chicken, or even smoked salmon instead of shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Pasta Options: Fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne rigate work well. Short pasta like penne holds the sauce nicely.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added flavor and color.
Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add a little cream cheese for extra richness.
Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and increase the spinach for a fresher balance.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Not ideal for freezing shrimp; however, you can freeze the pasta and sauce without shrimp for up to 1 month. Thaw and cook shrimp fresh when ready to serve.
Meal Prep: Cook pasta, shrimp, and sauce separately. Combine and reheat before serving for quick weekday meals.

Serving Suggestions

With Garlic Bread: Soft or crusty bread soaks up extra cheese sauce beautifully.
With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with shrimp and creamy pasta.
Garnish Extras: Lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the creaminess.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking. Avoid overcooking, as frozen shrimp can release extra water.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute with plant-based butter, unsweetened plant milk, and dairy-free cheeses. Nutritional yeast can boost cheesiness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta a day ahead. Cook shrimp and combine everything just before serving.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?

Whisk constantly while adding milk gradually. Remove from heat slightly if needed and stir in cheese slowly.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers all work. Add them after the pasta is coated in sauce for best results.

Conclusion

This Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach is a simple, elegant, and flavorful meal that feels like it belongs in a restaurant but comes together in under 30 minutes. The creamy cheese sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh spinach make it a comforting dish you’ll want to make on busy weeknights or for casual entertaining.

It’s versatile, satisfying, and just the right mix of indulgent and fresh — a pasta dinner that hits all the right notes every time.