pasta shrimp and spinach recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pasta shrimp and spinach recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite pasta shrimp and spinach recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special treat for the family, this recipe is sure to please.

The combination of succulent shrimp, flavorful spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply divine. I love how this dish is so versatile – you can serve it as a main course or add some crusty bread on the side for a satisfying meal. My kids adore it when I make this recipe, and it’s also a great way to get them to eat more greens!

As an added bonus, this dish is incredibly healthy, packed with protein from the shrimp and iron from the spinach. I like to think that this recipe is a great way to get everyone in the household eating more nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just cook the pasta according to package directions, sauté the shrimp and spinach in some olive oil, and combine everything together in a big bowl.

It’s really that simple! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can add different spices or herbs to give it your own unique twist, or use various types of pasta or protein sources to keep things interesting.

My husband loves when I add some garlic powder or red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick of flavor. And let me tell you – my kids are obsessed with helping me cook this recipe! They love getting involved in the kitchen and learning all about cooking techniques.

I swear by this recipe whenever we have company coming over – it’s always a crowd-pleaser! With its delicious taste, impressive presentation, and ease of preparation, this pasta shrimp and spinach recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household too.

Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

4.9 from 1816 votes

A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a light garlic and lemon sauce. This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Shrimp

12 oz (340 g) linguine or spaghetti
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
5 oz (140 g) fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine or chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
4While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
5Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then transfer them to a plate.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
8Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
9Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
10Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in handfuls, stirring gently until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
11Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained pasta, lemon juice, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
12Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if the sauce seems dry.
13Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
14Serve immediately, topped with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
15Garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet
Tongs or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 180mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. You can substitute whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.

Watch Video Of How Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta Works

One thing I love about this pasta shrimp and spinach recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a main course or add some crusty bread on the side for a satisfying meal. It’s also incredibly easy to make and customize according to your family’s tastes.

And let’s not forget about all those wonderful health benefits! With its delicious taste, impressive presentation, and ease of preparation, this pasta shrimp and spinach recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using penne or linguine pasta – both are great options that will hold up well to the sauce.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp if that’s what you have on hand.

Q: How do I prevent the spinach from becoming soggy?

To prevent the spinach from becoming soggy, be sure to add it towards the end of cooking time so that it wilts into the sauce without losing its texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely make this recipe ahead of time – simply cook the pasta and set it aside until you’re ready to assemble everything together.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

For storing leftovers, be sure to refrigerate within two hours of cooking and reheat when ready.

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