One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta with Spinach
Quick shrimp pasta cooked in a single skillet with bright lemon and garlic, finished with fresh spinach. This italian-american-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, peeled and deveined shrimp 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2, juiced lemon
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 3 cloves garlic (minced) and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 lemon (juiced), then add drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat.
- Step 5: Add 2 cups fresh spinach and cook for 1 minute until wilted. Return shrimp to skillet and toss. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until cheese melts.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon 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-Pot Lemon 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon 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-Pot Lemon 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-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many one pot recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
