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Shrimp Spinach Pasta

This shrimp spinach pasta is a quick, straightforward dish that combines sweet, tender shrimp with wilted spinach and al dente pasta. The dish relies on simple sautéing and tossing methods, resulting in a vibrant, fresh-looking plate with a balance of textures—crisp greens and succulent shrimp—coated in a light, flavorful sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti) preferably al dente
  • 1 lb pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined large size preferred
  • 4 cups fresh spinach washed and trimmed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh for best aroma
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or deep pan
  • Tongs
  • Colander
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, with a gentle sizzle and a fragrant aroma filling the air.
  4. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until wilted and vibrant green. The spinach should soften quickly, releasing a mild, earthy aroma.
  5. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the greens and garlic. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to loosen the mixture, creating a lightly sauced, glossy coating.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through, about 2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges or herbs if desired. The dish should look vibrant, with pink shrimp, bright green spinach, and glossy pasta ready to enjoy.