Description
Shrimp and Spinach Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together juicy shrimp, tender wilted spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a garlic-infused olive oil or creamy Parmesan sauce. This versatile, weeknight-friendly recipe can be adapted to suit your mood whether you want something light and zesty or indulgent and creamy. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a reliable favorite that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups baby spinach
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Optional for Creamy Version
¼ cup heavy cream or 2 tbsp cream cheese
Optional Additions
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Zest and juice of ½ lemon
½ cup sliced mushrooms or ¼ cup diced onions
Instructions
-
Prep the Shrimp and Spinach
Rinse and pat dry spinach. If using fresh shrimp, peel and devein them, then season with salt and pepper. If frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry. -
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. -
Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan. -
Wilt the Spinach
In the same pan, add spinach and a splash of pasta water. Stir gently until just wilted, about 1 minute. -
Combine and Finish
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with spinach. Return shrimp to the pan and stir in Parmesan. If using cream or cream cheese, stir in now. Use pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Finish with lemon juice and zest, and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp and spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp they’re done as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Infuse garlic gently by not letting it burn sauté it on medium heat.
- Add cream off the heat to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.
- For a lighter version, skip the cream and add more lemon zest and juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: shrimp and spinach pasta, garlic shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, healthy shrimp dinner, pasta with spinach, seafood pasta recipe