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There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of pasta, especially when it’s infused with the rich flavors of garlic and butter. Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table, where the air was filled with the fragrant aroma of garlic sizzling in butter. Those moments were more than just meals; they were the heartbeats of our family life, where laughter mingled with the clinking of forks and the warmth of shared stories. Today, I want to share a dish that captures that essence—a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Spinach Penne that will transport you back to those cherished moments while creating new ones.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Spinach Penne

Experience the comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Spinach Penne, a dish that brings together the richness of garlic and butter with juicy shrimp and vibrant spinach. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients like penne pasta, fresh vegetables, and a hint of spice, you can create a mouthwatering meal that captures the essence of family gatherings and shared stories around the dinner table. Enjoy the process and indulge in the delicious aromas that will fill your kitchen as you cook this delightful pasta dish.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Penne: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté Spinach and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, throw in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.

        Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to the mixture. Stir well to combine everything.

          Finish the Dish: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and squeeze over the lemon juice. Toss to combine, adjusting the consistency with more reserved pasta water if necessary. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

            Serve: Plate the Garlic Butter Shrimp Spinach Penne, garnishing each serving with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4