Looking for a simple, flavorful dinner? This lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta with spinach hits the spot! With tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, fresh spinach, and a tangy lemon butter sauce, this dish is paired with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that's satisfying and quick to make. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to delight!
Ingredients Needed
Key Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of pasta
(linguine, spaghetti, or any type you prefer)
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled
and deveined)
- 3 cups chopped fresh
spinach
- 4 tablespoons unsalted
butter
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- Juice from one lemon
(2-3 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
(optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon zest for added
citrus flavor
How to Make It: Lemon
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta with Spinach
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring
salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente, as per package
instructions. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta
aside.
2. Sear the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook until pink and opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic
Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the rest of the butter and add the remaining olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about a minute. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Add the Spinach:
Toss in the spinach and cook until it wilts
(approximately 2-3 minutes). Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet.
5. Mix and Combine:
Toss everything together to evenly coat the
pasta, shrimp, and spinach in the sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta
water for moisture. Optional: sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Top with parsley and lemon zest, then serve
warm.
Tips for a Perfect Dish
- Fresh Lemon Juice is Key: Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice to achieve a more vibrant flavor.
- Customize Ingredients: Substitute spinach with kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the red pepper flakes to match your desired level of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this be made
dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use dairy-free
butter alternatives and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Q: Are there other protein
options?
Absolutely! Try using
chicken, scallops, or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Conclusion
This lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta with spinach is a quick, flavorful, and adaptable meal fit for any night of the week. With just a few steps and basic ingredients, you can bring restaurant-level flavor straight to your home. Enjoy!