Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe
This vibrant Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights. Succulent shrimp are seasoned and sautéed with garlic, then combined with fresh spinach, lemon zest, and juice to create a light yet flavorful pasta dish. Topped with fresh herbs and optional parmesan, this recipe balances tangy, savory, and spicy notes effortlessly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, thawed, tails removed
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- Approx. 5 ounces (140 grams) dry pasta (enough for 2 servings)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- Freshly grated parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Thaw the shrimp and remove tails and shells. Mince the garlic cloves. Zest the lemon peel and chop the fresh basil or parsley.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the dry pasta. Cook according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and return pasta to the pot to keep warm.
- Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side 1-2 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and transfer them to a clean bowl.
- Sauté the garlic and spinach: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until wilted.
- Combine pasta and shrimp: Turn off the heat. Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cooked shrimp, and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to combine.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and shrimp while hot. Optionally, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your flavorful lemon garlic shrimp pasta with spinach!
Notes
- For extra heat, adjust the chili flakes to taste or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula if preferred.
- If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of pasta water or a bit of cream before tossing.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to get a nice sear.
- This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and can be doubled for more servings.
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta, spinach pasta, quick dinner, easy seafood recipe, Italian pasta, healthy pasta dish
