Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta! This quick and flavorful recipe combines juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp with tender baby spinach, all tossed in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a zesty hint of lemon. The addition of red pepper flakes brings a subtle heat, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, creamy finish. Balanced yet indulgent, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings. Serve this comforting pasta straight from the skillet, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a touch of elegance—it’s an irresistible blend of bright, savory, and comforting flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 0.5 cup pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
532 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.1 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 255 mg | 85% | |
| Sodium | 1178 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.0 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 44.7 g | 89% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 417 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 437 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
