Shrimp Spinach Goat Cheese Penne

Shrimp Spinach and Goat Cheese Penne comes to my table whenever I want something impressive yet simple for family or friends The creamy goat cheese melts into the hot pasta and mingles perfectly with sweet shrimp fresh spinach and aromatic leeks It feels restaurant level but you will be surprised at how straightforward it is to pull together

Ingredients

• Raw shrimp: look for peeled deveined fresh or frozen for fast prep the 21 to 25 per pound size means they will stay juicy
• Penne pasta: sturdy enough to hold every bit of sauce or swap for any short pasta you like
• Pine nuts: toast these for a nutty crunch try to buy from a busy market so they are fresh
• Extra-virgin olive oil: use a good quality brand for richer flavor
• Butter: adds luscious richness
• Leeks: only the white and light green parts for softness and subtle onion flavor
• Garlic: one large clove for warmth choose firm bulbs with tightly closed skins
• Baby spinach: fresh packs loads of nutrients use prewashed for ease
• Dry white wine: nothing fancy needed but a crisp Pinot Grigio works beautifully
• Goat cheese: crumbled tangy and creamy look for a soft log style for best melt
• Freshly grated lemon zest: wakes everything up use unwaxed lemons if possible
• Nutmeg: just a pinch freshly grated gives depth
• Salt and pepper: for essential seasoning use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if handy
• Crushed chili flakes: optional for heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp:

Combine shrimp olive oil lemon zest salt and pepper in a bowl and stir well let the shrimp soak up the flavor while you prep everything else

Toast the Pine Nuts:

Place pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat stir constantly for about three minutes until fragrant and just golden set aside so they do not burn

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a roiling boil tip in the penne and cook until just al dente then drain but save about three quarters of a cup of the starchy water for the sauce later

Sauté the Leeks and Garlic:

Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium low melt and add leeks cook gently until they start to soften then add garlic keep cooking until leeks go glossy and just start browning this softens their bite and builds deep flavor season in the last minute with salt pepper and a small sprinkle of nutmeg transfer to a bowl

Cook the Shrimp:

Use the same skillet on medium add the marinated shrimp in a single layer let cook for about one minute each side until just pink and opaque do not overcook transfer to a bowl

Deglaze and Wilt Spinach:

Pour white wine into the hot skillet scrape up any stuck bits this brings maximum flavor then throw in all the spinach stir steadily until just wilted bright green and glossy

Combine Everything:

Return drained pasta leeks shrimp and spinach to the skillet gently fold everything together add goat cheese and some of the reserved pasta water stir until you have a unifying creamy sauce let it come together for two minutes over low heat taste for salt and pepper

Finish and Serve:

Sprinkle on toasted pine nuts and extra goat cheese if desired serve up with crushed chili flakes on the side for a little kick

Save

This meal tastes even better the next day I always find a leftover scoop in the fridge and just heat it gently for the best quick lunch Sometimes my daughter sneaks extra pine nuts on top for more crunch and that makes me smile every time

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days The sauce thickens as it cools so add a splash of water or milk when reheating Do not freeze since the dairy and shrimp both lose quality with ice

Ingredient Substitutions

Try rotini or fusilli if you are out of penne No goat cheese on hand creamy ricotta can stand in Toasted walnuts or almonds echo the crunch if you are out of pine nuts Swap leeks for mild onions or even shallots if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette A lightly chilled glass of white wine like the one you used for cooking always pairs well Garlic bread is a family favorite for soaking up every bit of sauce

Cultural Context

This pasta is a modern Italian inspired dish leaning on classic pairings like seafood tangy cheese and leafy greens While not authentically from a single region it channels the spirit of coastal Mediterranean cooking where fresh flavors take center stage

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute another green for spinach?

Yes, baby kale or arugula make flavorful alternatives. Be mindful of cooking times, as they may wilt at different rates.

→ What type of goat cheese works best?

Use soft, fresh goat cheese for the creamiest result, but semi-aged varieties impart a tangier flavor if preferred.

→ Is another pasta shape suitable?

Penne holds the sauce well, but rigatoni or fusilli are great choices if you want similar results with varied texture.

→ How do I keep shrimp tender?

Quickly sauté shrimp just until opaque; overcooking can make them rubbery. Remove from heat promptly when done.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance and gently reheated with extra reserved pasta water.

→ What wine pairs well with this meal?

Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy sauce and seafood elements beautifully.