Certainly! Here’s an in-depth, 3000-word article on the recipe **Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach** — covering the recipe itself, background, ingredient details, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, nutrition info, serving ideas, and more.

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# Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach: A Decadent, Flavor-Packed Dinner for Every Occasion

There’s something truly special about a dish that brings together the richness of cheese, the delicate sweetness of shrimp, the wholesome goodness of spinach, and the comforting texture of pasta. **Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach** is one such recipe — an elegant yet easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or even casual dinner parties.

This creamy, cheesy pasta dish boasts a luxurious sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and tender spinach, all tossed with al dente penne pasta. The balance of flavors and textures makes it an instant favorite for seafood and pasta lovers alike.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to make this dish at home — from the ingredients and preparation to tips for perfecting the recipe and creative variations to suit your taste.

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## Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Before diving into the recipe itself, let’s explore why Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach deserves a place in your culinary repertoire:

* **Delicious balance:** Combines savory cheese, succulent shrimp, and nutrient-rich spinach.
* **Quick & easy:** Ready in about 30-40 minutes, great for busy nights.
* **Nutritious:** Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat; spinach adds vitamins and minerals.
* **Versatile:** Adaptable for different cheeses, pasta shapes, or additional veggies.
* **Impressive:** Elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for casual dinners.

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## A Brief Background: The Magic of Shrimp and Pasta

Shrimp and pasta have a long-standing relationship in global cuisines. Italian coastal dishes frequently feature seafood pasta with simple sauces that highlight fresh ingredients. The creamy, cheesy sauce in this recipe adds a modern twist to those traditions.

Spinach’s mild, slightly earthy flavor complements the shrimp beautifully while adding a burst of color and nutrition. Penne’s tube shape is ideal for holding sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

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## Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed ingredient list with notes to help you shop and prep:

### Main Ingredients:

* **Penne pasta:** 12 oz (about 3/4 of a standard box)
* **Raw shrimp:** 1 lb, peeled and deveined (medium or large size preferred)
* **Fresh spinach:** 4 cups packed, roughly chopped
* **Cheese:** 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (feel free to use cheddar or fontina)
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves, minced
* **Butter:** 3 tablespoons unsalted
* **Heavy cream:** 1 cup (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
* **Olive oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Onion:** 1 small, finely chopped (optional but adds flavor)
* **Salt and black pepper:** to taste
* **Red pepper flakes:** optional, for a mild kick
* **Fresh parsley:** chopped, for garnish
* **Lemon juice:** 1 tablespoon (to brighten flavors)

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## Equipment Needed

* Large pot for boiling pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Chef’s knife and cutting board
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Strainer/colander for pasta

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## Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

### Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce, and set aside.

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### Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.

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### Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add remaining butter and, if using, the finely chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

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### Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan gradually, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

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### Step 5: Add Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir well to combine with the creamy sauce.

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### Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Pasta

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the pasta is coated in sauce, and the shrimp and spinach are evenly distributed.

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### Step 7: Final Touches

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and drizzle lemon juice over the pasta to brighten the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

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### Step 8: Serve Hot

Transfer to serving bowls or a large platter. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a few lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

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## Tips for Perfect Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach

* **Don’t overcook the shrimp:** Shrimp cooks quickly and becomes rubbery if overdone.
* **Fresh spinach works best:** Frozen spinach adds moisture and changes texture.
* **Reserve pasta water:** It’s the secret to adjusting sauce thickness.
* **Use good quality cheese:** Freshly grated cheeses melt better and taste richer.
* **Season gradually:** Taste as you go to avoid over-salting.

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