Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan
Tender shrimp sautéed with fresh spinach and garlic, tossed with linguine in a light lemon-infused olive oil sauce and finished with Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine pasta, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh spinach leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, plus more for serving freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 5 cups fresh spinach leaves and 1 tsp lemon zest, stirring until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Toss the drained linguine into the skillet with the shrimp and spinach along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil and stir vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan?
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 linguine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan?
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 with Parmesan 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan?
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.
