If you love bright, fresh flavors and a dish that comes together in under an hour, you are going to be obsessed with this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of succulent shrimp dressed in smoky paprika and chili flakes, tossed with tender pasta, vibrant spinach, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce that brings everything to life. This dish feels fancy yet stays incredibly simple, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special meal to share with friends. Once you try it, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden tray with several ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. The tray holds a large white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves on the top left, and another large white bowl with raw peeled shrimp, grayish-white in color, on the top right. A bundle of uncooked yellow spaghetti pasta runs diagonally down the center of the tray. Below the spinach bowl, a white bowl contains dark green fresh basil leaves. Surrounding the pasta are small bowls with minced garlic in a light beige bowl, lemon zest in a brown and beige bowl, bright red chili powder in a beige bowl, half a bright yellow lemon in a small bowl with a dark rim, olive oil in a white round bowl, and red chili flakes in another beige bowl. The colors are vibrant and the setup is simple and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the tender shrimp to the fresh basil or parsley, every item contributes to the flavor, texture, and color that make this pasta pop. Let’s look at what you’ll need to create this easy and delicious meal.

1 pound shrimp, thawed + tails removed: Fresh or frozen shrimp that’s peeled for a tender, seafood-packed bite.
1 Tbsp olive oil: Used initially to coat the shrimp and help develop flavor during cooking.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky depth that enhances the shrimp beautifully.
1/2 tsp chili flakes: Brings just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.
Salt + pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout every step.
Approx. 5 ounces pasta, dry (140 grams): Enough pasta for two servings, perfect to soak up the sauce.
3 Tbsp olive oil (divided): Split between cooking shrimp, garlic, and finishing the dish for that silky texture.
5 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
4 cups spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green touch that wilts perfectly in seconds.
1/2 a lemon, juice + zest: The star of the recipe, brightening and tying together each flavor.
1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs to add color and fragrant herbal notes.
Optional: fresh parmesan, to serve: A salty, nutty finish that elevates the whole dish.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Ingredients

Start off by thawing your shrimp if using frozen, then peel and remove the tails for easy eating. While you’re at it, mince the garlic so it’s ready to release all its wonderful flavor, zest the lemon to capture those sunny oils, and chop your fresh herbs. Getting all this prep done ahead will make the cooking flow so much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water up to a rolling boil, then add your pasta. Follow the cooking time recommended on the package for al dente. Once done, drain it and get it back into the pot — this way, the pasta will be ready to mingle with the other ingredients in just a moment.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel — moisture can prevent that perfect sear. Toss them in a bowl with one tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Heat a large pan over medium-high and cook the shrimp in batches, making sure there is space between them so they brown nicely. Each side will take about 1 to 2 minutes; once the shrimp turn opaque, scoop them out into a clean bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your minced garlic. Sauté gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns light golden and fills the kitchen with that irresistible garlicky aroma. Then, add the fresh spinach, stirring constantly until it wilts down, which only takes a minute or two.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta right into your pan with the garlic and spinach. Sprinkle in the lemon zest and juice, pour in the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil, then gently fold in the cooked shrimp and fresh herbs. Give everything a good toss so the flavors can mingle well, then season with salt and pepper to perfection.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Dish out your beautiful pasta on plates and if you’re feeling indulgent, top with freshly grated parmesan. The warmth of the pasta will make the cheese melt into little pockets of deliciousness. Now, sit down and savor every bite of this vibrant, comforting meal!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe

A gray pan filled with cooked spaghetti pasta as the base layer, mixed with sautéed spinach leaves that add dark green patches throughout, and topped with pinkish-orange cooked shrimp scattered evenly on top. The shrimp have a slight reddish seasoning and are curled in shape, with small green herb pieces sprinkled over the dish. The pan has light gray handles and sits on a white marbled textured surface. Around the pan are white bowls containing fresh spinach leaves, lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and chopped herbs photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley just before serving to give the dish a bright, herbal lift. A few shavings of parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add layers of texture and richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light contrast. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also a fantastic companion to mop up any extra sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful presentation, serve the pasta in large individual bowls, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze as they please. Alternatively, plate the shrimp on top for a striking look that highlights the star protein.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days, with the flavors remaining fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

Because of the spinach and shrimp, freezing is not ideal for this pasta — it can affect the texture and freshness. For best results, enjoy within a couple of days or freeze only the cooked pasta (no shrimp or spinach) and combine fresh when ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and to keep it moist. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain the best texture in shrimp and spinach.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear and avoid excess moisture.

What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta shape you love will work, but spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine complement the shrimp and sauce beautifully.

Is it spicy?

The chili flakes add a gentle kick but can easily be adjusted based on your heat preference or omitted altogether for a milder dish.

Can I substitute the spinach?

Yes! Baby kale or arugula makes a great alternative and will add a slightly different flavor profile and texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or artichokes for a similar meaty texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach Recipe is a surefire way to bring joy and flavor to your dinner table with minimal fuss. The balance of bright lemon, garlicky goodness, and tender shrimp tossed together with pasta and spinach just feels like a warm hug on a plate. I encourage you to try it out and watch it become one of your cherished go-to meals. Trust me, everyone at your table will want seconds!