Shrimp Spinach Pasta 🍤🌿🧄 Light, Lush, and Packed With Greens, Garlic, and Savory Shrimp in Every Bite

This one’s all about balance — buttery shrimp and wilted greens tossed in a garlicky white wine or lemony sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

It’s vibrant without being sharp, creamy without being heavy, and loaded with the kind of fresh flavor that makes it feel like a reset-meal — but still cozy and satisfying.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or splash of white wine
• 4–5 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Optional: 2 tbsp cream or crème fraîche for richness

To finish

• Zest of 1 lemon
• More Parmesan
• Chopped parsley or basil
• Optional: chili flakes or drizzle of chili oil

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta until al dente in salted water. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sear the shrimp
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the base
Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same pan. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Deglaze with lemon juice or wine and let bubble briefly.

Step 4: Wilt the spinach
Add spinach to the pan and stir gently until just wilted — about 1–2 minutes. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to help it cook down.

Step 5: Combine and finish
Return pasta and shrimp to the pan. Add Parmesan and toss everything together until glossy and coated. Stir in cream if using. Adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or pasta water to balance.

Step 6: Serve hot
Top with lemon zest, extra cheese, and fresh herbs. Add chili flakes or oil if desired for heat.

Flavor Variations

• Use arugula, kale, or Swiss chard instead of spinach
• Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for contrast
• Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or scallops
• Use ricotta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for creaminess

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the spinach — add it last and wilt just enough
• Zest the lemon before juicing — it’s brighter and easier
• Shrimp cooks fast — remove once just opaque to avoid rubbery texture
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and smoother sauce
• Add pasta water slowly — it helps emulsify everything without thinning

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Spinach Pasta is fast, fresh, and flexible — the kind of weeknight meal that feels light but doesn’t skimp on flavor. It brings color, texture, and a whole lot of satisfaction to the plate — no cream bomb needed.

Sauté the shrimp. Wilt the greens. Swirl up something fresh. 🍤🌿🍋

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.