Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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.

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