Half-Moon Shrimp and Spinach Pasta
Shrimp and spinach wrapped in half-moon pasta shapes, tossed with garlic and olive oil for a quick, elegant dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs shells pasta, (10-12 oz total) large shrimp, (packed) spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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 shells pasta
- 12 (10-12 oz total) large shrimp
- 4 oz (packed) spinach
- 4 cloves (minced) garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup (grated) parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in boiling salted water 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté garlic 30 seconds, then add spinach and wine. Cook 3 minutes until spinach wilts. Stir in shrimp, pasta, and reserved water. Toss with remaining 1 tbsp oil and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Moon Shrimp and Spinach Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Half-Moon 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 shells pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Moon 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 Half-Moon 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.
What goes well with Half-Moon Shrimp and Spinach Pasta?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
