Creator's Choice One-Pan Shrimp Pasta
Creamy garlic shrimp pasta with spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooked entirely in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs shrimp, penne pasta, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 740 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz shrimp
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes and 2 cups fresh spinach to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and spinach wilts.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 squeezed lemon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Add drained pasta and cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through and sauce is glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creator's Choice One-Pan Shrimp Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Creator's Choice One-Pan Shrimp Pasta?
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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creator's Choice One-Pan Shrimp Pasta?
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 Creator's Choice One-Pan Shrimp Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Creator's Choice One-Pan Shrimp Pasta?
Italian one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
