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Overhead view of shrimp and spinach pasta with roasted red peppers and parmesan cheese
Lindsay Lehrer

Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers

5 from 1 vote
This creamy shrimp pasta with spinach and roasted red peppers is a comforting weeknight dinner made with spaghetti, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a rich cream sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for feeding a family.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 16 oz spaghetti
Shrimp
  • 2 pounds raw shrimp peeled and deveined
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
  • 3 tablespoons butter
Sauce
  • ¼ –⅓ cup roasted red peppers diced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 –3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
  • chopped parsley
  • extra parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot (for cooking the pasta)
  • Colander (for draining pasta)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl (for seasoning the shrimp)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Cheese grater (for freshly grated parmesan)
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

Season the Shrimp
  1. In a bowl combine the shrimp, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Cook the Shrimp
  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet add the diced roasted red peppers and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Cream Sauce
  1. Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Shrimp
  1. Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
  2. Serve warm and garnish with parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Freshly grated parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese and creates a smoother sauce.
  • Cooking shrimp in batches helps them sear properly instead of steaming.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add an additional splash of pasta water to loosen it.