Description
Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach in a creamy pasta base. The shrimp are sautéed in olive oil and garlic, giving them a rich, savory flavor, while the spinach wilts into the sauce, adding a burst of color and nutrients. The pasta is coated in a light, buttery sauce with a touch of cream or Parmesan cheese for a smooth finish. This dish is quick to make, packed with protein and greens, and offers a satisfying balance of flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Shrimp: Shrimp is not only delicious but also a low-calorie, high-protein food that adds great flavor and texture to this pasta dish.
- Spinach: Spinach brings freshness to the dish and offers a wide range of health benefits, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron.
- Garlic: Garlic adds an aromatic depth of flavor and pairs perfectly with the shrimp, making it the star of this dish.
- Lemon: The zest and juice of lemon brighten the entire dish, adding a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the olive oil and shrimp.
- Parmesan Cheese: While optional, Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty note to the dish that complements the other flavors wonderfully.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Water for Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Toss with Olive Oil: After draining the pasta, toss it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and set it aside.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Garlic Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and reduces in size. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a little sauce.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and cook for another minute. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan.
Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
- Toss the Pasta and Shrimp Together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and spinach. Toss everything together to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the mixture looks dry, add more of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g