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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta With Spinach

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta With Spinach
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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta With Spinach is a quick and easy dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors. Succulent shrimp sautéed with aromatic garlic and bright lemon juice are tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and tender spinach leaves, creating a wholesome and colorful plate that is both light and satisfying. Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners, this recipe offers a delightful balance of zest, savoriness, and nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • 1 pound fresh or thawed peeled and deveined shrimp

Flavorings and Vegetables

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add the shrimp. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on size.
  3. Add Lemon and Spinach: Lower the heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss in fresh spinach leaves and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen and bind the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Give a final gentle toss to incorporate the cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh shrimp and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; watch carefully to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly without being runny.
  • Adjust Acidity Gradually: Add lemon juice slowly, tasting as you go, to balance brightness without overpowering.
  • Use Quality Olive Oil: A good olive oil complements the garlic and lemon for a richer, more rounded flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp pasta, shrimp pasta with spinach, quick shrimp pasta, healthy shrimp pasta, easy lemon garlic pasta

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/lemon-garlic-shrimp-pasta-with-spinach/