This creamy garlic shrimp pasta is the ultimate comfort food — loaded with flavor, cheesy goodness, and tender shrimp in every bite.

Scale

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz penne pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tsp paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 cups baby spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook penne until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

3. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until opaque. Remove and set aside.

4. Melt butter in same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan until melted.

6. Add spinach and let wilt into sauce.

7. Return shrimp and pasta to skillet. Toss everything to combine.

8. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed.

9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Don’t overcook shrimp — they cook fast and stay tender when pulled early.

Reserve pasta water — it helps emulsify the sauce.