Creamy Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is an easy seafood pasta made with tender penne, shrimp, fresh spinach, garlic, mozzarella, and a simple heavy-cream sauce. It is rich enough to feel comforting but still has plenty of freshness from the spinach.
This recipe is especially useful on busy nights because the pasta, spinach, and shrimp come together quickly while the cheese sauce only needs a few ingredients. The biggest thing to watch is the heat: heavy cream and mozzarella can become grainy if they are boiled too aggressively, so a gentler finish gives you a smoother sauce.
Why You’ll Like This Shrimp Penne Pasta
- Simple ingredient list: The sauce relies on cream and mozzarella instead of a long list of pantry ingredients.
- Fast seafood dinner: Shrimp and spinach both cook quickly, making this practical for weeknights.
- Balanced texture: Penne holds the creamy sauce well while the spinach adds a softer, fresh contrast.
- Easy to adapt: You can serve it as-is or add a little Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or lemon at the table if you like.
Ingredient Notes
Penne pasta: Penne is a good choice for creamy sauces because the ridges and hollow centers catch the sauce. Cook it until al dente so it does not become too soft when tossed with the hot cream mixture.
Shrimp: The published method uses cooked shrimp when it is added to the spinach. If your shrimp is raw, cook it fully before combining it with the pasta mixture.
Spinach: Three cups may look like a lot at first, but fresh spinach wilts down quickly. Cook it only until tender so it keeps some color and does not release unnecessary moisture.
Mozzarella and cream: Keep the heat moderate once the cheese goes into the cream. Stir until the mozzarella is melted and smooth rather than letting the sauce boil hard.
Tips for a Creamier Sauce
- Drain the pasta well before adding it to the shrimp and spinach mixture.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella when possible because it generally melts more smoothly than heavily coated pre-shredded cheese.
- Lower the heat before stirring the cheese into the cream.
- If the finished pasta thickens while sitting, a small splash of warm cream or milk can loosen the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 box penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 1 pound peeled shrimp, tails removed
- 3 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
How to Make Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach
- Prepare the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan. Add the spinach and minced garlic and cook until the spinach is tender.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the spinach and toss to combine.
- Add the cooked penne and toss again until the pasta, shrimp, and spinach are evenly mixed.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until hot.
- Add the mozzarella and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is coated.
- Serve warm.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cream sauces thicken after chilling, so add a small splash of milk or cream before reheating. Warm the pasta gently and avoid overheating the shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Fresh spinach is the easiest fit for this recipe. If you use frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the pan.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
The sauce is best made close to serving because mozzarella-based cream sauce thickens as it cools. You can, however, cook the pasta and prep the spinach and shrimp ahead.
More Seafood Pasta Recipes
If you like creamy seafood pasta, try Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo, One Pan Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, or Seafood Mac and Cheese. You can also browse more ideas in the Pasta and Seafood categories.