Description
This lemon garlic shrimp pasta with spinach is a simple, healthy weeknight dinner bursting with flavor. Packed with juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, garlic, and zesty lemon, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, thawed and tails removed
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pasta:
- Approx. 5 ounces dry pasta (about 140g)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups spinach
- 1/2 a lemon, juice and zest
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parmesan, to serve
Instructions
1. Thaw shrimp and remove tails and shells. Mince garlic, zest the lemon, and chop basil or parsley.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Pat shrimp dry. In a bowl, toss with 1 Tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
4. Heat a large pan over medium-high. Add shrimp in batches and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque. Transfer to a clean bowl.
5. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
6. Add spinach and cook until wilted, stirring continuously, about 1–2 minutes.
7. Turn off heat. Add cooked pasta to the pan along with lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, shrimp, and fresh basil.
8. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
9. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan if desired.
Notes
This recipe makes about 2 generous main servings or 4 smaller portions if served with sides.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard, or add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Pairs well with spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg