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Angle view of shrimp with spinach and pasta in a skillet, with a candle and plant blurred in the background.
Lindsay Lehrer

Shrimp with Spinach and Pasta

A silky, flavorful garlic shrimp pasta with spinach made in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 525

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp:
  • 2 lbs shrimp peeled & deveined & without tails
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoon Butter
  • 2-3 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 8 oz fresh spinach
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 12 oz angel hair pasta cooked
  • 2-3 tablespoon fresh parsley

Equipment

  • Large sauté pan
  • Pasta pot
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Knife
  • cutting board
  • grater for Parmesan

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs shrimp, 1 tablespoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Toss well to coat.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer.
  3. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tablespoon butter to the same pan.
  5. Add 2–3 tablespoon minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  6. Add 8 oz spinach. It will look like a lot, but it cooks down quickly in 1–2 minutes.
  7. When the spinach is wilted, pour in ½ cup heavy cream and stir to combine.
  8. Add ½ teaspoon salt, then add the cooked angel hair pasta.
  9. Stir in ~⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan until creamy.
  10. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together.
  11. Finish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

Video

Notes

  • Add lemon juice and zest for a bright Lemon-Garlic-Parmesan variation.
  • Use pasta water to thin or lighten the sauce.
  • Swap shrimp with chicken or mushrooms as needed.