Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake with Fresh Spinach

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake with Fresh Spinach! This dish marries tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and vibrant spinach in a luscious creamy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a family dinner, this comforting bake is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add Shrimp: Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the shrimp is pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Combine Cream and Cheese: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and stir in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
2. Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shrimp, and creamy sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Choosing Shrimp: Look for fresh, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
• Pasta Variations: Feel free to substitute the penne pasta with fusilli, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.
• Additional Veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Alternatives: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the richness of the dish beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake with Fresh Spinach is not only delicious but also versatile. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household.

For more inspiring recipes and cooking tips, explore our collection of pasta dishes that celebrate flavors and textures. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with family and friends, inviting them to join in the deliciousness!

Further Reading

Discover more about cooking techniques and ingredient selections by checking out The Science of Cooking for deeper insights into the culinary world.

Happy cooking!