Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta and Spinach
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There’s something about shrimp and penne pasta that just seems to work together. It’s a classic combination that never fails to please. And this recipe is no exception.
The shrimp are cooked in a tomato-based sauce, making them deliciously tender and flavorful. The penne pasta is also infused with flavor, thanks to the garlic and herbs. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, but it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

The first time I made it, it turned out a little bit too salty for his taste. But he told me not to worry, that he could fix it. And sure enough, he added just the right amount of salt to the dish and made it even more delicious than before. Now we make the dish together all the time and it’s one of our favorite meals.

Looking for an easy and delicious shrimp and penne pasta recipe? This one is sure to please! It’s simple to prepare, and the end result is a dish that is both tasty and satisfying. Best of all, it’s perfect for any occasion—from a casual weeknight dinner to a more formal get-together.
So give this recipe a try today! You won’t be disappointed.

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Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- Can I use cooked shrimp in pasta?
- I only have raw shrimp on hand – will that work?
- Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
- How Do I Peel Shrimp?
- Ingredients:
- How to make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta and Spinach:
- Can you make this shrimp and penne pasta recipe ahead of time?
- Easy Substitutions
- How to store shrimp pasta
- How to reheat shrimp pasta
- Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta and Spinach
- More Seafood

It’s a classic combination that never fails to please.
Why you’ll love this recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy shrimp pasta dish, look no further than this shrimp and penne pasta recipe. The shrimp are cooked in a simple tomato sauce, and the whole thing comes together in just 30 minutes. This is the perfect weeknight meal for those who love seafood.
Can I use cooked shrimp in pasta?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp in this recipe. Simply substitute the cooked shrimp for the raw shrimp called for in the recipe.
I only have raw shrimp on hand – will that work?
Yes, that will work. If you are looking for a recipe to try out, we suggest our Easy Shrimp and Penne Pasta recipe. It is a quick and easy meal that will satisfy your hunger.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk in place of evaporated milk in most recipes. However, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid called for in the recipe if using regular milk, since it has a higher water content than evaporated milk.
How Do I Peel Shrimp?
It’s actually easier than you might think. First, start by deveining the shrimp, using a sharp paring knife to cut down the back of the shrimp and remove the vein. (If your shrimp are frozen, allow them to thaw before proceeding.) Once the veins are removed, hold the shrimp in one hand with the tail pointing down. Use your other hand to grasp the very end of the tail and pull straight away from the body. The shell will come right off – it’s that easy!
Now that your shrimp are peeled and ready to go.

Ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Penne pasta
- Raw spinach
- Minced garlic
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta and Spinach:
Step 1. Cook the penne pasta to your liking and drain well.
Step 2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
Step 3. Add the shrimp to the skillet with salt and pepper to taste, and saute until the shrimp is cooked through.
Step 4. Stir in the spinach and minced garlic while reducing the heat to medium.

Step 5. Saute until the spinach has wilted.

Step 6. Pour the shrimp into a pot or serving dish with the pasta.

Step 7. Toss in the mozzarella.

Step 8. Finally, add butter and parmesan cheese.

Step 9. Stir to combine before serving.

Can you make this shrimp and penne pasta recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the shrimp and pasta according to the instructions, and then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the shrimp in a pan over low heat until heated through, and then toss with the cooked pasta.
Easy Substitutions
When cooking shrimp and penne pasta, there are a few easy substitutions that can be made to make the dish even more delicious. For example, if the recipe calls for Parmesan cheese, try using Romano or Asiago cheese instead. If the recipe calls for olive oil, try using butter or garlic butter. These small changes can make a big difference in the final flavor of the dish.
How to store shrimp pasta
When you are done with your shrimp pasta, it is important to store it properly so that it lasts and does not spoil. You can store shrimp pasta in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.
How to reheat shrimp pasta
When reheating shrimp pasta, you will want to make sure that the shrimp is cooked through. You can do this by placing the shrimp in a pan over medium-high heat and cooking until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Once the shrimp is cooked, you can reheat the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little bit of water to the dish, and then heat on high in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Stir the pasta a few times while it is heating, and then serve.

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Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta and Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. Shrimp peeled and deveined with the tails off
- 1 Box Penne pasta
- 4 C. Raw spinach
- 2 tsp. Minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp. Butter
- 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 1 C. Mozzarella cheese
- ¼ C. Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta to your liking and drain well.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat on the stove.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet with salt and pepper to taste, and saute until the shrimp is cooked through.
- Stir in the spinach and minced garlic while reducing the heat to medium. Saute until the spinach has wilted.
- Pour the shrimp into a pot or serving dish with the pasta, toss in the mozzarella, butter and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine before serving.
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