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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta Easy Recipe with Spinach and Lemon

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A fast and flavorful garlic butter shrimp pasta with fresh spinach and bright lemon, perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion. This dish combines simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients for a light yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) peeled and deveined medium shrimp
  • 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 cups (about 120 g) fresh baby spinach
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine or chicken broth (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450 g) peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium, add 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 4 cloves finely minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. If using, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes here.
  4. Pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. Then add juice and zest of 1 medium lemon.
  5. Add 4 cups (120 g) fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  6. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Serve pasta garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; cook 1-2 minutes per side until just pink. Keep garlic sautéing on medium or low heat to prevent burning. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh lemon zest is essential for bright flavor. Vegan and gluten-free adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp pasta, quick shrimp pasta, spinach pasta, lemon shrimp pasta, easy seafood pasta, weeknight dinner, garlic shrimp recipe

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/quick-garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta-easy-recipe-with-spinach-and-lemon/