Pasta

Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe

There are few dishes as satisfying and versatile as a well-made pasta—and when you add juicy garlic shrimp, fresh spinach, and a delicate yet flavorful sauce, the result is pure comfort on a plate. This Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s quick to prepare, deeply flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is one of those go-to meals I make again and again. It combines everything I love: pasta for comfort, shrimp for protein, garlic for punch, and spinach for freshness and nutrition. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but takes under 30 minutes to prepare. Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a casual dinner, or cooking a date-night meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What makes this a must-try dish is its perfect harmony of flavors and textures: tender pasta, garlicky buttery shrimp, and vibrant spinach all come together in a light but luscious sauce. It’s elegant, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.

Time & Yield

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories per Serving: ~460–500 kcal

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz (225g) spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
  • Salt for pasta water

For the Garlic Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced

For the Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
  • Extra lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish

Direction

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

  1. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
  3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
  5. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add white wine (or broth) and lemon juice.
  2. Scrape up any bits from the pan with a wooden spoon and let the liquid reduce slightly (about 2–3 minutes).
  3. Add spinach and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet along with drained pasta.
  2. Add reserved pasta water and toss to coat everything evenly.
  3. Stir in Parmesan if using, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve immediately with parsley and lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

Tips:

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best texture, but frozen (thawed) works great too.
  • Don’t overcook shrimp—they only need 1–2 minutes per side.
  • Deglaze properly with wine or broth to lift those flavorful bits from the pan.

Variations:

  • Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich, velvety sauce.
  • Add more veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus.
  • Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Add a kick: More red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for spice lovers.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

  • Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
  • Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Grilled vegetables or roasted Brussels sprouts
  • A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Conclusion

Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is more than just a meal—it’s a full sensory experience. It’s aromatic, comforting, vibrant, and packed with flavor. In under 30 minutes, you can serve something that feels luxurious but is grounded in fresh, simple ingredients.

It’s a perfect weeknight dinner but also sophisticated enough for entertaining. With its rich garlic butter base, light lemony finish, and hearty shrimp and greens, this pasta dish offers everything you could want in one bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.

Q: What kind of pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are great choices. You can also use penne or rotini if you prefer short pasta.

Q: Can I substitute spinach?

Yes! Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard can be used. Just cook a bit longer for tougher greens.

Q: What if I don’t have wine?

Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Skip the Parmesan and butter, and use olive oil or a dairy-free alternative for richness.