Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Spinach

Quick dinners do not get more satisfying than this Easy Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach I love how it pairs silky strands of spaghetti with juicy shrimp just the right amount of garlic and a hit of fresh greens It is a weeknight savior that feels like a restaurant meal yet is simple enough for even a beginner cook

The last time I cooked this shrimp pasta I was racing against dinnertime with a hungry family My youngest daughter could not resist sneaking shrimp from the pan before I tossed it with the noodles That alone tells me this recipe is a keeper

Ingredients

• Raw shrimp: For sweetness and tender texture Always select shrimp that smells clean and like the sea never fishy
• Fresh baby spinach: Brings color and nutrition Look for crisp leaves with no wilting
• Unsalted butter: For a creamy rich base using unsalted puts you in control of the seasoning
• Olive oil: Provides flavor and helps sear the shrimp Go for extra virgin if you can
• Garlic: Is crucial for depth and warmth Always use fresh minced cloves rather than jarred for best aroma
• Low sodium vegetable stock: Deglazes the pan and lifts all the caramelized flavor Choose brands with simple ingredients and no added sugar
• Ancho or cayenne pepper: Adds gentle heat and a smoky note Buy from a spice shop for freshest flavor
• Black pepper: To brighten each bite Use freshly cracked if possible
• Red chili pepper flakes: Are sprinkled for a kick and pretty color
• Italian seasoning: Brings herbal aroma and complexity choosing a blend with oregano basil and thyme elevates the dish
• Spaghetti pasta: With a springy bite Look for bronze cut or Italian made for an authentic texture
• Grated parmesan: To finish with savory sharpness Freshly grated melts best and has fuller flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Shrimp and Marinade:

Combine the peeled shrimp with one tablespoon olive oil ancho or cayenne pepper minced garlic and black pepper Toss until shrimp is evenly coated and let it rest for ten minutes to soak in the flavor

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente according to package directions Drain and reserve a bit of the pasta water

Sear the Shrimp:

Heat the remaining two tablespoons olive oil in a wide skillet over medium high Place shrimp in a single layer and let them sear without moving for one minute This gives them a golden crust Flip each shrimp and sear the other side for one more minute Both sides should look pink and just curled in

Deglaze the Skillet:

Pour in the vegetable stock and let it simmer for one minute Using a wooden spoon scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom as these add tons of flavor

Enrich with Butter and Spices:

Stir in the butter until melted Sprinkle on the Italian herb mix and the red chili flakes Swirl everything to combine and coat the shrimp in the sauce

Add Spinach:

Toss in the spinach and use tongs to turn gently until the leaves are wilted but still bright This takes about thirty seconds

Combine and Serve:

Arrange the cooked drained spaghetti in bowls or on a big platter Spoon the garlicky shrimp and spinach mixture right over the top Drizzle any sauce from the pan and finish with extra chili flakes and parmesan Serve while steaming hot

Pin it

Parmesan lends saltiness and richness while fresh shrimp with garlic always reminds me of the big Sunday pasta lunches at my grandparents house The aroma of sizzling garlic still brings everyone to the kitchen with anticipation

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of stock or water to loosen the sauce Shrimp can become tough if overcooked so avoid microwaving too long

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or tofu in place of shrimp for a land or plant based version Swap baby kale or arugula for spinach if you want a peppery flavor If out of parmesan try pecorino romano or even a little crumbled feta for a different twist

Serving Suggestions

Pile this pasta high in shallow bowls and offer warm crusty bread to soak up the garlicky sauce A crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon brings the whole meal together On warm nights a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc tastes amazing with the garlicky seafood

Cultural Context

Garlic shrimp pasta is a favorite in many Mediterranean and Italian American kitchens The combination of seafood pasta and olive oil traces back to southern Italian coastal cooking where fresh shellfish and simple ingredients shine It is a great basic technique to master which you can change up with whatever greens or spices you crave

Pin it

This dish is sure to become a weeknight staple and impress guests with minimal effort Make it once and you will want to return to it again and again

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking for best texture and flavor.

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti is a classic choice, but linguine or fettuccine will also complement the sauce nicely.

→ Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil?

Combining butter and olive oil enhances both richness and depth of flavor in the final dish.

→ How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Sear the shrimp briefly on each side until just opaque to keep them tender and juicy.

→ Can more vegetables be added?

Yes, add bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color, texture, and nutrition.

→ Which seasoning highlights the shrimp best?

Garlic, black pepper, and Italian seasoning pair especially well, giving bold and aromatic notes.