Are you craving a restaurant-worthy meal that looks impressive but takes less than 30 minutes to prepare? Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this creamy, luxurious Shrimp Spinach Pasta that combines the succulence of perfectly cooked shrimp, the richness of a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and the fresh, vibrant touch of spinach. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 8 oz of pasta, 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and set aside. Also, have 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese ready.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter, allowing it to heat up. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet with the garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the garlic and any remaining shrimp juices. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce, stirring until melted and well combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Next, add the fresh spinach to the pasta and sauce mixture. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the shrimp spinach pasta immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Perfection: Don't overcook your shrimp! They're done when they turn pink and curl slightly - about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve a cup of pasta cooking water. Its starchy goodness can help you adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness.
- Spinach Wilting Technique: Add spinach at the very end and just let it wilt naturally. This preserves its bright green color and prevents overcooking.
- Garlic Wisdom: Sauté garlic quickly to release flavor but prevent burning, which can make it bitter. Medium heat is your friend!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 250mg
