Penne Pasta With Cheesy Shrimp And Spinach

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked pasta

1 pound shrimp, deveined and peeled

2 tbsp Olive Oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 ounces sun dried tomatoes, drained and cut

2 cups of baby spinach

1 ½ cup skim milk

1 tbsp flour

1 tbsp Basil

½ tsp red chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1:

Boil the pasta in a pot of salted water until the pasta is al dente.

Put oil into a skillet and add the garlic

Step 2:

Saute until the garlic is fragrant

Add in the shrimp, the sun dried tomatoes, red chili flakes, basil and salt if desired.

Step 3:

Cook until the shrimp are done, but do not overcook

When shrimp is done, set on a plate and put to the side

Step 4:

Add in the flour and the milk to the skillet and whisk well

Season with salt and pepper to taste

Step 5:

Put the spinach into the skillet and cook until the spinach is just barely wilted

Add the shrimp back into the skillet

Drain and rinse the cooked pasta

Step 6:

Add the pasta into the skillet and stir to combine all

Top with chopped parsley and Enjoy!

Notes:

Shrimp Cooking Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Pasta Choice: You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or farfalle, depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Spinach Substitution: If you don’t have baby spinach, you can use regular spinach, but you may need to chop it into smaller pieces. Kale or arugula can also be used as alternatives.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a milder flavor, you can use roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes. If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you may want to reduce the amount of olive oil in the recipe.

Cheese Variation: While this recipe doesn’t explicitly include cheese in the ingredients, you can add a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to the sauce for extra cheesiness.

Creamier Sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can replace some of the skim milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without compromising on flavor.

Make It Spicier: If you enjoy spicier dishes, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Add More Veggies: You can bulk up this dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

CALORIES: 565 | TOTAL FAT: 13g | CHOLESTEROL: 304mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 69g | PROTEIN: 43g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer.

Penne works well for this dish, but you can also use other shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or farfalle.

Is it necessary to devein and peel the shrimp?

While it’s not strictly necessary to devein and peel the shrimp, it’s recommended for a better eating experience.

Deveining ensures the removal of the shrimp’s digestive tract, and peeling makes the dish easier to eat.

Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer.

Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will add more moisture to the dish, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I use instead of skim milk?

If you don’t have skim milk, you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk.

Just be aware that using a different type of milk may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the shrimp and using vegetable broth or water instead of milk.

You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe.

Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking according to the package instructions.

Is it necessary to use skim milk, or can I use whole milk instead?

You can use whole milk instead of skim milk if you prefer a creamier sauce.

The choice of milk will affect the richness of the dish, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

What can I use as a substitute for basil?

If you don’t have basil, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or oregano.

Alternatively, you can use dried basil, but adjust the quantity as dried herbs tend to be more potent than fresh ones.

Can I omit the red chili flakes if I don’t like spicy food?

Yes, you can omit the red chili flakes if you prefer a milder dish.

The chili flakes add a bit of heat, so feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked through?

Shrimp cook quickly and turn pink when they’re done.

Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque and pink.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe.

Penne works well, but you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other pasta shape you prefer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.

Store the cooked pasta, cooked shrimp, and sauce separately in the refrigerator, then reheat and combine when ready to serve.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience.

However, since pre-cooked shrimp are already cooked, you’ll want to add them to the skillet just to heat through before adding the other ingredients.