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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly thaw shrimp, removing shells and tails. Finely mince garlic cloves, carefully zest and juice half a lemon, and chop fresh herbs for garnishing.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and keep warm in the pot.
- Use paper towels to pat shrimp completely dry. Coat with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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.
- Introduce fresh spinach to the pan, stirring continuously. Wilt for 1-2 minutes until leaves become vibrant green and reduce in volume.
- 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.
- 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