Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta (Printable Version)
Succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce blend in vibrant pasta.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
→ Shrimp
02 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
03 - 1/2 tsp salt
04 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp paprika
→ Sauce & Vegetables
06 - 3 tbsp olive oil
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
11 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
12 - 3 cups baby spinach, washed
13 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
→ To Serve
15 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Cook pasta in large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
03 - Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to plate.
04 - In same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes and lemon zest, stir briefly.
05 - Pour in lemon juice and broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
06 - Add spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 1 minute.
07 - Reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta, butter, and half parsley. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
08 - Return shrimp to pan and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately garnished with remaining parsley, Parmesan, and lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
- Its equally impressive for date night or a solo dinner when you deserve something special
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp become rubbery fast—pull them the second they turn pink
- The pasta water is your secret weapon for transforming thin broth into velvety sauce
03 -
- Room temperature shrimp sear more evenly than cold ones
- Add a splash more pasta water right before serving if sauce looks tight