One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach

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

Plump shrimp sizzling in a garlic-butter sauce with fresh spinach, all tossed with pasta for a restaurant-worthy dinner ready in 25 minutes. This italian-american-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian-American 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 boil (use 1 tsp salt). Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to skillet and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach and cook 1 minute until wilted. Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and stir until melted and combined.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to skillet. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until coated. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until melted and glossy.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach 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 One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach?

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 One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach?

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 One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp with Spinach?

Italian-American one pot 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.

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