One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach
Quick, vibrant pasta tossed with plump shrimp, wilted spinach, and garlic in under 25 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces linguine, ounces shrimp, garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 12 ounces shrimp
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Add 8 ounces linguine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add 12 ounces shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet with drained linguine, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; toss for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until sauce coats pasta.
- Step 7: Divide into bowls and top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 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 ounces linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Garlic Shrimp 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 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 Pasta with Spinach?
Italian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many one pot recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
