Description
Shrimp and Spinach Pasta quick weeknight dish with light garlic cream fresh greens effortless prep big flavor Ready in 20 mins weeknight friendly
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 12–16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes depending on the shape. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the cream and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, letting the mixture reduce slightly into a loose, silky sauce. If it thickens too fast, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the shrimp to the pan along with the spinach and cherry tomatoes (if using). Stir until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 1–2 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and a splash more pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir in the Parmesan until glossy and creamy. Squeeze in lemon juice to taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Finish with a final dusting of Parmesan and parsley. Serve hot, with an extra lemon wedge on the side for a fresh squeeze before eating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 servings
- Calories: 520 calories
- Sugar: 6 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
Keywords: shrimp pasta, lemon garlic cream, spinach pasta, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta, quick dinner
