When you want something delicious but still quick enough for a weeknight, this shrimp spinach pasta is one of those recipes that always delivers.
It’s creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor without needing a long list of ingredients.
The shrimp cook quickly in olive oil and butter, fresh spinach gets wilted right into the sauce, and everything comes together with a light parmesan cream sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
The best part is that this shrimp spinach pasta takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, which makes it perfect for nights when you want a real dinner but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.
It’s simple, similar to my prego shrimp alfredo recipe. And it’s one of those pasta dishes you’ll probably end up making again.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Spinach Pasta
- It’s quick to make. This shrimp spinach pasta comes together in about 25 minutes.
- The sauce is creamy but not heavy. The parmesan and cream create a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Shrimp cooks fast. Shrimp only takes a few minutes to cook, which keeps the recipe quick and easy.
- Spinach adds freshness. The spinach balances the creamy sauce and adds color to the dish.
- It feels restaurant-worthy. Even though it’s simple, this pasta with shrimp and spinach feels like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Before we get into the ingredients, one of the reasons shrimp and spinach pasta works so well is because the flavors are simple but balanced.
The garlic brings depth, the cream adds richness, the parmesan gives a salty taste, and the shrimp adds a light seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta.
Ingredients for Shrimp Spinach Pasta
Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine all work well for this shrimp spinach pasta because they hold the creamy sauce nicely.
Olive oil: Olive oil helps cook the shrimp and adds flavor to the base of the sauce.
Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth base for the sauce.
Shrimp: You can use fresh or frozen. Just make sure it’s peeled and deveined.
Salt and black pepper: To taste.
Garlic powder
Garlic: I highly recommend using fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly in the pan, but you can use frozen if that’s what you have.
Heavy cream: Heavy cream creates the creamy base of the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds saltiness and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Red pepper flakes add a little heat if you want that.
Lemon juice (optional)
How to Make Shrimp Spinach Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the garlic and spinach
In the same skillet add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.
Step 4: Make the sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir.
Add the grated parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet.
Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Top the pasta with extra parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes if you like heat, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Spinach Pasta
Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink so they stay tender.
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese because it melts better into the sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cream.
This shrimp spinach pasta is one of those meals that feels comforting but still fresh.
The creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and wilted spinach come together into a pasta dish that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner.
Shrimp Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz pasta - spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
For the Shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ lb shrimp - peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves - minced
- 3 cups spinach - fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Optional
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- lemon juice - for serving
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Add the parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve warm and top with extra parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Cook the shrimp just until pink to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh spinach will wilt quickly in the pan, so add it right before making the sauce.
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and balances the creamy sauce.
One Response
The best one!