Spicy Shrimp and Penne Pasta

If your taste buds have been snoozing lately, spicy shrimp and penne pasta are here to wake them up. This dish is bold, brash, and on your table faster than you can scroll through the “dinner ideas” note in your phone. It’s the weeknight warrior of your dreams, with juicy sauteed shrimp, a creamy tomato sauce with just enough heat, and tender pasta to soak it all up. Oh, and spinach—because we’re still grown-ups (sort of). Whether you’re cooking for date night or just yourself and your favorite wine glass, this pasta brings the flavor and heat, and still gives you time to binge an episode or two after dinner.

Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp and Penne Pasta

• Penne pasta: These tubular beauties are perfect for catching all that saucy goodness. Cook them just shy of al dente so they don’t get mushy when tossed with the sauce.
• Olive oil and butter: A touch of olive oil adds richness and helps the shrimp cook like a dream without sticking to the pan. Butter amps up the flavor factor and gives the shrimp that irresistible golden finish. Together, they are the ultimate team.
• Crushed red pepper: These little flakes bring the heat! And you can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you’re feeling.
• Shrimp: Shrimp labeled 31-40 per pound are usually medium to large, depending on where you get them, but you could also use jumbo if you want larger, plumper pieces (but fewer of them). Fresh or frozen uncooked shrimp are best; you can usually find frozen bags of partially cleaned shrimp in grocery-store freezers.
• Marinara sauce: A good jarred marinara keeps things simple and adds tomatoey depth to the dish. Buy one that you’d happily eat with a spoon.
• Half-and-half cream: Half-and-half cream makes the sauce rich and silky without being too heavy.
• Fresh spinach: Four cups may seem like a lot, but it wilts down to just the right amount of vibrant, healthy green. Frozen is fine, but be sure to drain it so it doesn’t add too much moisture (and you’ll only need about 2 cups)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta

Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain it.

Step 2: Saute the shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon each of butter and oil over medium-high heat. Saute 1 pound of shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon of pepper flakes until the shrimp turn pink, three to five minutes. Remove from the pan and repeat.

Editor’s Tip: Cooking the shrimp in two batches gives them space and helps them sear instead of steam. That sear produces more flavor and better texture.

Step 3: Make the sauce

In the same skillet, combine the marinara sauce and cream, and bring them to a boil over medium heat.

Step 4: Finish the dish

Stir in the spinach until it’s wilted. Add the pasta and shrimp, toss and heat through.

TASTE OF HOME

Spicy Shrimp and Penne Pasta Variations

• Swap the spinach: Try arugula for peppery flavor, or kale if you want a heartier green in your pasta.
• Turn up the heat: Add an extra pinch (or three) of crushed red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil for a real fiery kick. A spoonful of chili crisp is another spicy idea.
• Cheesy upgrade: Stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan (or some snazzy Parmigiano-Reggiano) when you toss everything together for a salty, nutty finish.
• Change the pasta: Penne is the classic pasta shape, but you can use rotini, rigatoni or even spaghetti if that’s what’s lurking in your pantry.

How to Store Spicy Shrimp and Penne Pasta

To store your leftover spicy shrimp and penne pasta, simply spoon it into an airtight container once it’s cooled. Pop it into the fridge and thank yourself later when tomorrow’s dinner is already half-done.

How long does spicy shrimp and penne pasta last?

This dish will stay delicious for up to four days when stored properly in the fridge.

How do you reheat spicy shrimp and penne pasta?

Reheat spicy shrimp and penne pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water, cream or marinara to loosen the sauce. You can microwave it, but do so in short bursts and stir often to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. If you want to protect the textural integrity of the shrimp, remove them from the pasta and sauce and heat them separately (they’ll take less time).

Spicy Shrimp and Penne Pasta Tips

TASTE OF HOME

What’s the best way to clean and devein shrimp?

Cleaning shrimp is way easier than you might think. Hold each shrimp under cold running water. Use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back, then pull out the dark vein with the tip of your knife or your fingers. (It’s a little gross but very satisfying.) Shortcut alert: Buying pre-cleaned shrimp can save you a ton of time. Just make sure it’s uncooked.

What can you serve with spicy shrimp and penne pasta?

A golden hunk of buttery Parmesan garlic bread is the perfect side dish for spicy shrimp and penne pasta when it comes to soaking up all that delicious sauce. Balance it out with a simple green salad that’s fresh enough to make you feel virtuous, even if you just had a thirds. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini bring color, crunch and just enough healthy energy to the plate.