If you're looking for a dinner recipe that's easy, elegant, and packed with flavor, then you're in for a treat. This creamy pesto penne with shrimp and spinach is a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. Whether you're planning a date night, a cozy meal for yourself, or impressing guests, this pasta recipe—with wine pairings, garlic bread, and quick desserts—has got you covered.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: On the table in less than 30 minutes.

• One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• Crowd-pleaser: Shrimp, pesto, cream, and Parmesan, what's not to love?

• Extra creamy with a nutty, herby kick from basil pesto.

Ingredients You'll Need for Creamy Pesto Penne

• 8 oz penne pasta

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 8–10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1/2 cup basic basil pesto

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt to taste

• Watkins Organic Ground Black Pepper to taste

Optional (But Delicious):

• Crushed Watkins Organic Crushed Red Pepper

•  for a bit of heat

• Fresh lemon zest for brightness

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne

Boil your penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining—this liquid gold helps loosen the sauce if needed.

2. Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season shrimp with sea salt and ground black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Set aside.

3. Wilt the Spinach

In the same skillet, add the spinach and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until wilted. Remove and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Add the pesto and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir gently until well blended. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Bring it All Together

Toss the cooked pasta, shrimp, and spinach into the skillet. Mix everything well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

6. Season & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan if you're feeling indulgent.

Perfect Garlic Bread Side

No pasta dish is complete without garlic bread! Here's a super-easy version:

Ingredients:

• Crusty baguette or any thick bread

• 2–3 tbsp softened butter

• Minced garlic or garlic powder

• (Optional) Chopped parsley and extra Parmesan

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (or use an air fryer).

2. Mix butter and garlic. Spread over sliced bread.

3. Top with parsley and Parmesan (if using).

4. Toast for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.

Wine Pairings for Creamy Pesto Pasta

Creamy sauces and shrimp pair well with a bright, crisp wine. Here are two top picks:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Citrus-forward and light, this wine pairs beautifully with the basil and cream.

• Pinot Grigio: Clean and dry, this one lets the creamy pesto shine.

Bonus Pick: A chilled Prosecco adds a bubbly, fun twist that pairs well with the richness of the sauce and the shrimp.

5-Minute Dessert Ideas

Top off your meal with one of these quick, crowd-pleasing sweets:

1. Chocolate Mug Cake

Mix 1/4 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder in a mug. Microwave for 60–90 seconds. Boom—cake.

2. Fancy Yogurt Bowl

Layer Greek yogurt with honey, berries, granola, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate. Healthy, sweet, and satisfying.

3. Nutty Banana Sundae

Slice a banana, drizzle with peanut butter, and top with crushed nuts. Microwave for 20 seconds for a gooey treat.

Final Thoughts

With creamy pesto penne, garlicky bread, crisp white wine, and a sweet 5-minute treat, you've got yourself the ultimate quick gourmet dinner. This creamy pesto pasta with shrimp and spinach isn't just a meal, it's an experience.

Whether you're impressing your date or just treating yourself (heck yes, self-care dinner!), this complete dinner is everything your weeknight needs. Bookmark it. Share it. Cook it. And enjoy every creamy, herby, dreamy bite.

Keywords: creamy pesto pasta recipe, basil pesto, penne pasta, shrimp and spinach, quick pasta dinner, creamy shrimp pasta, easy pasta recipe, garlic bread, wine pairings, 5-minute dessert

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