Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

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

A light and zesty pasta dish with succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a tangy lemon-cream sauce. This italian-inspired quick meals (dairy-free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp, spinach, pasta 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in spinach and lemon zest. Cook 2 minutes until wilted. Pour in cream and Parmesan, stirring until sauce thickens. Add pasta and 1/4 cup reserved water, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Lemon-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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-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 Lemon-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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta dairy-free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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