Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe:
🧀 Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach
Ingredients (Serves 4):
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8 oz (225g) penne pasta
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1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups fresh spinach (lightly packed)
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra cheesiness)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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Optional: lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for brightness
👨🍳 Instructions:
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Cook the pasta:
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Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté the shrimp:
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Season shrimp with a little salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Make the sauce:
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In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter if needed.
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Sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
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Add cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in Parmesan (and mozzarella, if using). Let melt and thicken slightly.
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Add spinach:
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Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).
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Combine:
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Add cooked penne and shrimp to the sauce. Toss everything together to coat.
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Season with more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Add lemon juice/zest if desired.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley or basil if you like.
🔄 Variations:
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Add sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.
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Use Greek yogurt + milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
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Try feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Would you like a baked version with a cheesy top, or a dairy-free option?