Creamy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp and fresh spinach simmered in a lemony garlic cream sauce over al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs (225g) spaghetti, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 225g spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 340g shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 120ml heavy cream, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti and 60g fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until spinach wilts and sauce coats pasta. Add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if too thick. Stir in 340g shrimp and 1 tsp lemon zest. Cook 1 more minute until heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (225g) spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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