Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach Linguine with Lemon Zest

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

Quick linguine tossed with garlicky sautéed shrimp and fresh spinach, brightened with lemon zest for a vibrant seafood pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine pasta, large shrimp, olive oil 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 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. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 5 cups fresh baby spinach and sauté for 2 minutes until wilted. Return shrimp to the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained linguine, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, remaining 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce until it coats the pasta evenly.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach Linguine with Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach Linguine with Lemon Zest?

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 Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach Linguine with Lemon Zest?

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 Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach Linguine with Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach Linguine with Lemon Zest?

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.

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