Garlic-Kissed Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Whipping up a delectable spinach shrimp fettuccine brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table.

Tender pink shrimp dance alongside emerald-green spinach leaves, creating a vibrant palette on the plate.

Fresh garlic and olive oil infuse each twirl of pasta with rich, aromatic notes.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly, promising a meal that feels both indulgent and light.

Weeknight cooking becomes an adventure with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality taste, ensuring satisfaction in every delightful bite.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these ingredients come together for a memorable dining experience.

What Makes Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine So Special

• Prepare a luxurious meal in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
• Packed with protein from shrimp, nutrients from spinach, and comfort from creamy pasta, this dish offers a well-rounded eating experience.
• Using just one skillet means less washing up, allowing you to enjoy your meal without dreading kitchen cleanup afterward.

Key Ingredients for Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine

• Fettuccine: A classic pasta that provides a smooth and hearty base for the dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds protein and a delicate flavor to the pasta.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that brings nutritional value and vibrant color to the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and luxurious sauce with a savory depth.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Foundational flavor enhancers that provide a fragrant and delicious start to the cooking process.

How to Cook Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine Perfectly

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Place fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water.

Cook until the pasta reaches al dente texture, following the package guidelines.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and let it dance and become aromatic, releasing its delightful fragrance for about one minute.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Introduce the shrimp to the skillet.

Allow them to transform from translucent to a beautiful pink color, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.

Once perfectly cooked, gently remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the same skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the creamy sauce.

Watch as the vibrant green leaves soften and wilt, which takes around two minutes.

The spinach will release its bright color and tender texture into the sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Add the prepared fettuccine and gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy spinach sauce.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Expert Advice for Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine

• Cook fettuccine just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushy texture.
• Watch carefully while cooking shrimp, as they turn pink and opaque quickly to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery.
• Scrape up browned bits from the skillet bottom to add deep, rich flavor to the cream sauce.
• Use fresh spinach leaves for the brightest color and most tender texture in the dish.
• Toss all ingredients gently and serve hot to keep the pasta at its best and prevent sauce from separating.

Storing and Reheating Tips for Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Spinach might slightly change texture upon thawing.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking shrimp or overcooking pasta.

Perfect Pairings with Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy shrimp pasta, cutting through the richness and enhancing the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Serve Garlic Bread Companion: Create a toasted garlic bread side that absorbs the creamy sauce, providing a crunchy texture contrast and additional herbal notes to the meal.
• Match Fresh Citrus Salad: Prepare a light lemon-dressed mixed green salad with arugula to balance the pasta's richness, adding brightness and a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Recommend Chilled Chardonnay: Select an unoaked Chardonnay with subtle buttery undertones that harmonizes perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce and succulent shrimp.

Delicious Twists on Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.

• Is it okay to substitute another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Linguine or penne work great if you don’t have fettuccine on hand. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic or include a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream sauce for extra heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.

• What if I want to make this recipe lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use less Parmesan. You can also add more spinach for added nutrition and reduce the overall cream content.

Spinach Shrimp Fettuccine Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy spinach shrimp fettuccine brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Luxurious pasta combines tender shrimp and fresh spinach in a silky sauce that welcomes hungry diners to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound large raw shrimp (deveined and peeled)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 4 cloves garlic

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Boil fettuccine in salted water at high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, then sauté garlic until aromatic and golden.
3. Introduce shrimp to the hot skillet, cooking swiftly until they transform into a vibrant pink and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove cooked shrimp from skillet and set aside momentarily.
5. Deglaze the pan with heavy cream, carefully scraping accumulated flavor fragments from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smoothly melted and integrated into the cream sauce.
7. Gently fold fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, allowing leaves to wilt and soften for 1-2 minutes.
8. Reintroduce seared shrimp back into the skillet alongside prepared fettuccine.
9. Tenderly toss all ingredients together, ensuring even coating of sauce and harmonious distribution of shrimp, spinach, and pasta.
10. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and silky.

Notes

• Swap out heavy cream for lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Toast garlic briefly to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
• Choose medium-sized shrimp for the most consistent cooking and tender texture, ensuring they don’t overcook and become rubbery.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat that complements the creamy sauce and delicate seafood flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg