- Andouille sausage, cubed (optional for authentic flavor)
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Creole seasoning
- Spinach Pasta:
- Whole wheat creole-style pasta
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Sauce Base:
- Tomato paste
- Chicken broth or seafood stock
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Additional Seasonings and Toppings:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (as a garnish)
- Chopped green onions (as a garnish)
**SEO Keywords:**
- Creole Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Creamy Creole Pasta
- Whole Wheat Creole Pasta
- Spinach and Shrimp Pasta
- Seafood Pasta with Spinach
- Andouille Sausage Pasta
- Tomato Paste for Pasta Sauce
- Heavy Cream Pasta Sauce
Steps
### Creamy Creole Shrimp and Spinach Pasta Recipe
#### Introduction:
Delight your taste buds with this rich and flavorful Creole shrimp and spinach pasta recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce that's bursting with creole spices. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz fresh spinach leaves, washed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is optional but can help in baking any leftover sauce if needed.
2. **Cook the Pasta:**
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
3. **Sauté Vegetables:**
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
4. **Add Garlic and Shrimp:**
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
5. **Prepare the Sauce:**
Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to blend flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
6. **Add Spinach:**
Add chopped spinach to the skillet. Toss gently until wilted. If using, stir in reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
7. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:**
Drain any excess liquid from the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper as necessary.
8. **Serve:**
Transfer the creamy creole shrimp and spinach pasta to serving plates. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot, optionally with a side of crusty bread for mopping up the sauce.
#### Tips:
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Ensure your shrimp are properly cleaned before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cream based on preference; more cream results in a richer texture.
#### Conclusion:
This creamy creole shrimp and spinach pasta is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the spinach. It's easy to make and pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or lemonade. Enjoy your meal!
By following these detailed steps and using the provided SEO-friendly tips, you can create a delightful and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.