Dive into a culinary delight that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your kitchen! This Shrimp and Spinach Penne recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. With tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked penne, all tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce, this dish is a symphony of flavors ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of penne pasta, 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste, and Parmesan cheese for serving.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-13 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted.
- When the penne pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and spinach. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help combine the ingredients.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Cook for another minute or two to ensure everything is heated through.
- Serve the shrimp and spinach penne hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your boiling water generously before adding the penne. This not only flavors the pasta but also enhances the overall dish.
- Shrimp Secrets: For the best texture, avoid overcooking the shrimp. They should turn pink and opaque, which usually takes just 3-4 minutes.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach for a vibrant color and flavor. If you can find it, baby spinach works wonderfully in this dish.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. For a milder dish, start with a pinch and add more if desired.
- Creamy Twist: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese when combining the pasta and shrimp mixture.
- Garnish with Flair: Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese! Freshly grated cheese on top adds a rich, savory finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Cook a double batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 446kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 150mg
