Description
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Spinach Penne is a bold and comforting pasta dish made with tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and penne tossed in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Return the shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Swap shrimp with chicken or smoked sausage for variation.
Use mushrooms or bell peppers to add more vegetables.
Substitute kale or arugula if spinach isn’t available.
For dairy-free, use coconut cream and plant-based Parmesan.
Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
