This Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach is a luscious, creamy pasta dish that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan. Juicy shrimp are sautéed to tender perfection, then tossed with whole-grain penne, fresh spinach, and a light, cheesy sauce made with reduced-fat cream cheese and Parmesan. Every bite delivers the comforting richness of a classic Alfredo-style pasta — but with far fewer calories and points. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve to guests.

The combination of garlicky shrimp, vibrant spinach, and melty cheese creates a perfectly balanced dish that feels both nourishing and satisfying. The sauce clings to the penne, coating it in creamy, cheesy goodness without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s a one-pan wonder that gives you the best of both worlds — healthy and hearty — while keeping your Weight Watchers goals intact. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, restaurant-quality finish!

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat or high-fiber penne pasta

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or light butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup reduced-fat cream cheese

• ½ cup skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Boil penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the shrimp:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then add shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

3. Make the sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add cream cheese and milk, whisking until smooth and creamy. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Add spinach and combine:
   Add spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted. Return the shrimp and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.

5. Finish and serve:
   Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving warm.

✅ Servings: 4
✅ WW Points (approx.): 6–8 points per serving (varies by pasta and cheese used)