Creamy shrimp pasta is one of those dishes that never fails to impress, and this version brings restaurant-style richness right into your own kitchen. Tender penne, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and a velvety cheese sauce come together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for easy weeknights or a cozy date-night dinner. Every bite is buttery, garlicky, and indulgently cheesy, balanced by fresh spinach that melts into the sauce.
The shrimp cook quickly in a blend of butter and olive oil, giving them a gorgeous golden edge and locking in their natural sweetness. Once removed from the skillet, that flavorful base becomes the foundation for the creamy sauce. Garlic blooms in the residual butter, heavy cream creates silky body, and the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan melts into a luxurious, cling-to-the-pasta finish.
Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the hot sauce, adding color and freshness without overpowering the dish. When tossed with the tender penne and juicy shrimp, the result is a pasta that feels both comforting and elevated — with just the right amount of heat from paprika and optional red pepper flakes.
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This dish shines on its own or paired with garlic bread and a crisp side salad. It’s quick, decadent, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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