One-Pan Garlic Shrimp and Lemon Pasta with Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A lightning-fast 15-minute meal featuring plump shrimp, garlicky pasta, and wilted spinach, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, peeled and deveined shrimp, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 6 minutes (al dente). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add 3 cups fresh spinach, and toss until wilted (about 1 minute). Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; simmer for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes until coated and heated through, adding more pasta water if too dry. Adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice, then serve immediately with extra lemon zest.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Garlic Shrimp and Lemon Pasta 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 Shrimp and Lemon Pasta 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 Shrimp and Lemon Pasta 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 Shrimp and Lemon Pasta 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 Shrimp and Lemon Pasta with Spinach?

Italian quick meals 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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