Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta
A quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta in a garlicky olive oil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, (peeled and deveined) shrimp, (chopped) fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb (peeled and deveined) shrimp
- 12 oz (chopped) fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup (minced) garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Toss in 12 oz chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat the pasta evenly and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta 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 Garlic Shrimp and Spinach 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Shrimp and Spinach 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 Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta 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.
Is Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
