Tangy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta With Spinach Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy without sacrificing taste.

This tantalizing lemon garlic shrimp pasta with spinach delivers a harmonious blend of zesty and savory notes.

Fresh shrimp sizzle alongside vibrant spinach, creating a light yet luxurious meal.

garlic infuses each bite with aromatic depth, while bright lemon cuts through richness with its citrusy sparkle.

Tender pasta catches every delectable sauce droplet, ensuring maximum flavor in each forkful.

You’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to be delighted by a restaurant-quality meal crafted right in your own kitchen.

What Makes Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Special

• Prepare a delicious meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Easily adjust spice levels with chili flakes, swap herbs, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Transform basic pantry staples like shrimp, pasta, and spinach into a restaurant-worthy dish that feels special and gourmet.
• Enjoy a balanced meal combining lean protein from shrimp, greens from spinach, and energy-boosting carbohydrates from pasta, all in one satisfying plate.

Ingredients for Shrimp Pasta with Spinach

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein for this delicious pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the base of the recipe.
• Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a bright and aromatic finish to the dish.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a deep, savory flavor profile.
• Lemon: Citrus fruit that provides brightness and tanginess to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps develop rich flavors and prevents sticking.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant color.
• Smoked Paprika, Chili Flakes: Spices that contribute a subtle heat and smoky undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds a salty, creamy finish.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Remove shrimp tails and shells.

Mince garlic cloves finely to unleash their incredible flavor.

Zest half a lemon carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Squeeze out fresh lemon juice.

Chop some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a final flavor burst.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Fill a pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Drop in pasta and cook according to package instructions for that ideal al dente texture.

Drain thoroughly and return to pot to keep warm.

Step 3: Spice Up the Shrimp

Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels.

• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Chili flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

Toss shrimp with these spices until beautifully coated.

Step 4: Sizzle the Shrimp

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.

Cook shrimp in batches, giving each piece space to sear.

Cook 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque.

Transfer cooked shrimp to a clean bowl.

Step 5: Awaken the Garlic

Add another splash of olive oil to the pan.

Toss in minced garlic and cook 2-3 minutes.

Stir constantly until garlic turns golden and releases its incredible aroma.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Wilt the Green Goodness

Toss fresh spinach into the pan.

Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts down but maintains its vibrant green color.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Kill the heat.

Add cooked pasta to the pan.

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Remaining olive oil
• Cooked shrimp
• Fresh herbs

Gently toss everything to coat evenly.

Season with additional salt and pepper.

Step 8: Create Your Masterpiece

Plate the pasta while steaming hot.

Optional: Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan for extra luxury.

Dive in and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for Flavorful Shrimp Pasta

• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Watch garlic closely while sautéing; it can quickly turn from golden to burnt, which creates an unpleasant bitter taste.
• Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining, which can help create a silkier sauce if the pasta seems too dry when mixing.
• Layer flavors by seasoning each component separately – salt the pasta water, season the shrimp, and taste the final dish before serving to ensure depth of flavor.
• Add spinach at the very end and cook just until it begins to wilt to maintain its bright green color and nutritional value.

Keep Shrimp Pasta Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover pasta in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is clean and completely dry to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and maintain pasta texture.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Gently stir until heated through, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
• Skip freezing this dish as shrimp and pasta can become soggy and lose their original texture when thawed. Fresh is always best for this delicate recipe.

What Pairs Well with Shrimp Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the lemon and garlic notes, cutting through the richness of the shrimp and enhancing the dish's bright flavors.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to mirror the pasta's citrusy profile and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory dish.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious olive oil and lemon sauce, adding textural variety and allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of flavor.
• Refresh with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and echo the dish's bright, zesty undertones.

Shrimp Pasta Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Vegan Protein Alternative: Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas, using plant-based olive oil and adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip pasta entirely and serve the lemon garlic sauce over cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetable noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Omit parmesan cheese and replace with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any pasta shape that can hold sauce works well, but linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are ideal for this lemon garlic shrimp dish. The flat, long noodles help capture the sauce and create a perfect bite.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp is perfectly fine. Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents the shrimp from becoming watery.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from chili flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. If you don’t like spice, you can omit the chili flakes entirely without compromising the overall flavor.

• How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so cook them just until they change color, which takes about 1-2 minutes per side.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta With Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon garlic shrimp pasta with spinach brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your kitchen. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, thawed + tails removed
• 5 ounces (140 grams) pasta, dry
• 4 cups spinach

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/2 a lemon, juice + zest
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Oils and Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parmesan, to serve

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly thaw shrimp, removing shells and tails. Finely mince garlic cloves, carefully zest and juice half a lemon, and chop fresh herbs for garnishing.
2. Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and keep warm in the pot.
3. Use paper towels to pat shrimp completely dry. Coat with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
4. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Sear shrimp in batches, ensuring each piece has adequate space. Cook 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate bowl.
5. In the same skillet, add another olive oil drizzle. Sauté minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
6. Introduce fresh spinach to the pan, stirring continuously. Wilt for 1-2 minutes until leaves become vibrant green and reduce in volume.
7. Remove pan from heat. Combine cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining olive oil, cooked shrimp, and fresh herbs. Gently toss to ensure even coating. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Plate immediately while hot. Optional: Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese for added richness. Enjoy the aromatic and colorful dish.

Notes

• Keep shrimp perfectly cooked by avoiding overcrowding the pan, ensuring each piece sears beautifully without steaming.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in delicious flavor.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili flakes to suit different heat preferences and dietary needs.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg