Spaghetti with Shrimp, Spinach, & Garlic Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious meal that combines fresh flavors, this pasta with shrimp, spinach, and garlic is perfect. The combination of tender shrimp, sautéed spinach, and garlic-infused olive oil creates a harmonious balance of flavors that impresses.
Whether preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this recipe offers a light yet satisfying option that doesn’t sacrifice taste. The shrimp brings a subtle sweetness, while the spinach adds a vibrant, nutritious touch.
Garlic, as always, elevates the dish with its rich aroma and warmth. Plus, it all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. Pair it with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant and comforting meal.
This recipe also allows for flexibility—swap out spinach for kale, add a dash of chili flakes for some heat, or finish with a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness. No matter how you customize it, this pasta with shrimp, spinach, and garlic will become a favorite in your culinary rotation.
Pasta with Shrimp Spinach and Garlic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 pound shrimp peeled
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 16 ounces fresh spinach cleaned & trimmed
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes - optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water is coming to a boil, prep the ingredients. Mince the garlic, clean and peel the shrimp, and clean the fresh spinach.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente when the water comes to a boil.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat until hot. Add the butter, oil, and then the garlic. Cook for one minute, but don't let the garlic burn. Add the shrimp, and cook on each side for a couple of minutes until done. Please don't overcook the shrimp.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add the spinach and a quarter cup of the pasta water. Let the spinach wilt some, and then add the spaghetti. Toss to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- I like to finish the dish with a drizzle of my best extra virgin olive oil. You can add some now or wait until you serve it in warm bowls.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and for those who like it a little spicy, be sure to have some red pepper flakes ready.
Ingredient Substitution Ideas
| Original Ingredient | Substitute Options |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | Fettuccine, linguine, angel hair pasta, gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles (zoodles) |
| Shrimp | Scallops, chicken breast, firm tofu, tempeh, white fish (like cod or tilapia) |
| Fresh spinach, cleaned & trimmed | Kale, Swiss chard, arugula, baby collard greens, frozen spinach (thawed and drained) |
| Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, Asiago, nutritional yeast (for vegan option) |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | Cayenne pepper, crushed chili flakes, hot sauce, smoked paprika, fresh chopped chili |
What Makes a Simple and Delicious Mid-Week Meal?
Ultimately, simplicity with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients defines a perfect weekday meal.
| Principle | Description | Example Dishes | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimal Ingredients | Focus on fewer, high-quality items to reduce prep and boost flavor. | Lemon herb chicken, garlic shrimp, caprese salad | Less prep, bold flavor |
| Quick to Prepare | Ready in 30 minutes or less with minimal hands-on time. | Stir-fries, pasta primavera, sheet pan salmon | Saves time on busy nights |
| One-Pot or One-Pan | Cook everything in a single vessel for easy cleanup. | Chili, risotto, skillet chicken and veggies | Fewer dishes, simpler process |
| Nutritionally Balanced | Includes protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs for a complete meal. | Grilled chicken with quinoa and broccoli, tofu stir-fry | Satisfying and energizing |
| Versatile | Easily adaptable with ingredient swaps to suit taste or pantry inventory. | Grain bowls, pasta salads, frittatas | Flexible and customizable |
11 Responses
This looks delicious. I can’t wait to try this in MY home!
Thanks Betsy and please come back and let me know how it turns out.
This was delicious. I recommend that you follow the recipe and note that everything is super fast. The instructions leave out the butter, so be sure not to. Be user to use the freshest ingredients. yum.
Hi Sheila, glad you enjoyed the dish and thanks for pointing out the butter. Now fixed.
I make this all the time but I add fresh lemon and parsley…. It’s amazing!!!!! ❣️❣️❣️
Can your recipe for the “Pasta with Shrimp, Spinach and garlic use (1) Angel Hair pasta? (2) could this recipe be made a day ahead and served cold? (3) Make a day ahead and warmed up the next day? if so how would you suggest to warm it up? Look forward to your answer…thanx
Sure you can use angel hair pasta and serve it cold the next day. Heating it up the next day is OK but there is a good chance you will overcook the shrimp while doing so. I personally would not serve it the next day to guests but for myself, I would toss it in the microwave to reheat.
What is your extra best olive oil? I have such a hard time finding good olive oil! Thank you
Hi Sandy, I think the best olive oil depends on what you are using it for. You don’t need extra virgin olive oil for salad dressing, sauteeing or marinating. You want the freshest olive oil you can find for drizzling on a dish after it is prepared.
My husband’s and my favorite shrimp recipe! l add squeezed lemon and red pepper! So delicious. I reheat the next day if leftover in a skillet.
Hi Kirsten, thanks for reaching out. Much appreciated.