Discover an irresistible creamy Cajun shrimp spinach penne recipe Delight in bold flavors and creamy textures that elevate your dinner tonight
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces penne pasta
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
Prepare the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Create the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired.
