Description
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach is a bright, flavorful dish combining tender shrimp sautéed with smoked paprika and chili flakes, fresh garlic, lemon zest, and juice, tossed with spinach and pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a healthy balance of protein and greens with a zesty, garlicky finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 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 and Sauce
- Approx. 5 ounces dry pasta (approx. 140 grams, enough for 2 people)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 lemon, juice and zest
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- Fresh parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thaw the shrimp if frozen, then remove tails and shells. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Zest the lemon peel carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, and chop fresh basil or parsley.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then return it to the pot to keep warm.
- Season Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in batches without overcrowding, leaving space between pieces. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until shrimp turn opaque and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from pan and place in a clean bowl.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until garlic is lightly browned and fragrant but not burnt.
- Wilt Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the pan with garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the spinach is just wilted and tender.
- Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Flavors: Turn off the heat. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with spinach and garlic. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cooked shrimp, and chopped basil or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss everything to combine evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this fresh, vibrant pasta dish immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Patting shrimp dry before cooking helps them sear better and develop a nice crust.
- Cooking shrimp in batches prevents overcrowding and helps them cook evenly.
- Adjust chili flakes quantity to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, parsley is a great alternative to add freshness.
- For gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the texture of shrimp and freshness of spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
